Whether capturing an impression for the fabrication of an indirect dental restoration or placing a direct restoration, treating perio or performing a number of other intraoral procedures, maintaining a clean, dry working area is critical. Using a gingival hemostatic agent to control bleeding is a great way to achieve this. Often formulated from ferric sulfate or aluminum chloride, these materials are placed directly on the patient’s tissue in order to prohibit bleeding. As with all materials used intraorally, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to insure safe and correct application.