What is one of the main uses of calcium hydroxide in dentistry?

Calcium hydroxide is primarily used in dentistry for pulp capping due to its excellent bioactive properties. Pulp capping is a procedure used to protect the dental pulp from further injury or to promote healing when the pulp is exposed or in danger of exposure due to decay or trauma. Calcium hydroxide creates an alkaline environment that encourages the formation of reparative dentin and promotes the healing of the pulp tissue. Its high pH also provides antibacterial properties, which helps in preventing infection during the healing process.

This use is critical in ensuring that the tooth can remain vital and functional rather than necessitating more invasive procedures to address pulp damage. The other options, while important in different contexts within dentistry, do not relate specifically to the therapeutic and protective role that calcium hydroxide plays in pulp capping.