ctional view of an improved gingival retraction rod with a fibrous mesh material integrally attached to the axial structural backing component, respectively. [0048]FIGS. 32a and 32 b are an isometric and a cross-sectional view of an improved gingival retraction rod with a hydrogel retraction layer within an external porous membrane, respectively. [0049]FIGS. 33a-g are isometric cross-sectional vie