What is the role of calcium hydroxide in dental treatment?

Calcium hydroxide plays a significant role in dental treatment primarily due to its ability to promote secondary dentin formation. When placed in a cavity preparation, it interacts with the dental pulp and stimulates the pulp to produce additional dentin, also known as secondary or reparative dentin. This process is crucial in protecting the tooth's pulp from further damage and in promoting healing, especially in cases of pulp exposure or deep carious lesions.

Secondary dentin formation is vital for maintaining the integrity of the tooth over time. By encouraging the deposition of new dentin, calcium hydroxide helps to strengthen the tooth structure and creates a barrier between harmful bacteria and the pulp tissue, thus contributing to the overall health of the tooth.

While sealing the outer enamel layer is important in dental treatments, this is not a primary function of calcium hydroxide. Similarly, it does not serve as a color enhancer for restorations or directly prevent cavity formation—these tasks are typically managed by other restorative materials and preventive strategies.