What is an advantage of calcium hydroxide in dental applications?

Calcium hydroxide is widely recognized in dental applications for its ability to promote secondary dentine formation at the base of a cavity. This is particularly significant in restorative dentistry, as it helps protect the pulp from potential irritation and injury during procedures like cavity preparation. When placed under restorative materials, calcium hydroxide stimulates the odontoblasts within the dental pulp, encouraging them to produce more dentine, which can enhance the tooth's structural integrity and resilience.

This property makes calcium hydroxide an essential material in vital pulp therapy and in lining deep cavities where the risk of pulp exposure exists. The formation of secondary dentine acts as a natural defense mechanism for the tooth, helping to shield the pulp from external stresses and bacteria, thus contributing to the overall health of the tooth.

While some materials may have strong adhesive properties, calcium hydroxide is not primarily known for this characteristic, nor is it soluble in water, which would be counterproductive in a dental context. Additionally, its role is not as an irritant but rather to promote healing and regeneration, making it valuable for preserving dental pulp health.