This study aimed to analyze the influence of different retraction techniques (pure cotton cord, cord impregnated with epinephrine, and chemical retraction [Expa-syl]) on the crevicular fluid flow in vivo. A total of 340 prepared teeth were randomly assigned to one of the retraction procedures. Crevicular fluid flow was measured prior to and immediately after the removal of the respective retraction material. Pure cotton cords led to a significant increase in crevicular fluid flow, whereas impregnated cords and Expa-syl significantly reduced crevicular fluid flow (P .01). The retraction technique has a high impact on the reduction of crevicular fluid flow in patients. Pure cotton retraction cords should be avoided.