I get asked this question frequently, "what do you use for hemostasis?"  I will respond by asking if they mean hemostasis or tissue retraction and hemostasis.  There are many great products out there for hemostasis.  I use things like Viscostat Clear from Ultradent, 3M retraction paste, Traxodent among others.  These all work very well for stubborn tissue that continues to bleed.  When it comes to actually retracting tissue, I personally only use 2 options and I think both are paramount for the long term success of the restoration I'm doing.  I like to use Ultradent cord soaked in Viscostat Clear but there are times that this is not enough.  My true go to is my diode laser.   My diode laser gets used every day in my practice.  It allows me to remove tissue, achieve hemostasis and do build ups and take clear images.  Here is a prep from today that I would have not been able to do today if I did not have my diode.  This patient had deep decay on the mesial of 15.  The decay was very far subgingival and I don't think there is a chance that packing cord would have allowed me to remove the decay and adequately retract the tissue.  Look at how well hemostasis has been achieved so I can access the margin which is probably 2+ mm subgingival.  The area remained dry enough to allow me to do a build up and get a quality final prep.  If you do not have a diode laser, you should really look into getting one in your practice.  There are so many things it can do and prices have really come down these last few years.  I know that I can not practice without mine!