An absorbent and degradation resistant knitted gingival retraction cord comprising silk is formed from one or more strands by interlocking a plurality of loops. As a whole, the knitted retraction cord contains at least about 50% silk which, when manufactured so as to have a knitted structure, exhibits resistance to degradation and has the ability to absorb liquid (e.g., an active agent solution). An active agent is impregnated within the one or more strands and/or the plurality of interlocking loops of the knitted retraction cord such that the cord advantageously retains the active agent and resists degradation by the active agent.