What is an additional advantage of calcium hydroxide over other lining materials?

Calcium hydroxide is particularly known for its ability to promote the formation of secondary dentine, which is a significant advantage when used as a lining material in dental procedures. This property is crucial because secondary dentine acts as a protective layer for the pulp, helping to shield it from potential damage that can arise from external stimuli, including decay or restorative processes.

The process by which calcium hydroxide promotes secondary dentine formation involves its alkaline nature, which stimulates the odontoblasts in the dental pulp to create new dentin. This is vital during restorative treatments where the pulp may be at risk. By facilitating dental tissue repair, calcium hydroxide not only provides an immediate protective function but also contributes to long-term pulp health.

This differentiating characteristic makes calcium hydroxide particularly valuable compared to other lining materials, which may not have the same regenerative properties or ability to stimulate the natural protective mechanisms of the tooth.