A gum packing tool made from a sterilizable elastic endless strand which
can be enlarged by tensioning the strand so that the strand can fit over
a patient's tooth and when the tension is released, the strand will be
tensioned against the sides of the tooth, whereupon the tool can be moved
along the side of the tooth to come in contact with the soft tissue gum
line so as to provide a tamping surface for forcing the soft tissue gum
against the root portions of the tooth. The method for utilizing the tool
is also provided.