- The main objective of performing gingival retraction during crown preparation is to expose the subgingival margins of the prepared tooth.
- This is crucial because many crown preparations have margins that extend slightly below the gum line to achieve optimal esthetics and durability.
- Without proper retraction, these subgingival margins may not be clearly visible or accessible, leading to inaccurate impression making.

- An accurate impression is essential for the fabrication of a well-fitting crown, as it captures all the fine details of the preparation, including the margins.
- Gingival retraction temporarily displaces the gingival tissues away from the tooth, creating space and allowing the impression material to flow into and record the entire margin area precisely.
- This ensures the final restoration fits properly and reduces the risk of marginal gaps, which can harbor bacteria and lead to secondary caries or gingival irritation.

To summarize:
- Gingival retraction exposes subgingival margins for a precise impression.
- It ensures better marginal accuracy for crown fabrication.
- It does not primarily focus on retention of the provisional crown or reducing inflammation.
- While it may facilitate impression removal, the key purpose is margin exposure.

Reference: *Sturdevant's Art and Science of Operative Dentistry, 6th Edition, Chapter 18: Crown and Bridge Impressions, p. 455-460*