What is the dental material used to cover or line exposed tooth tissue called?

The dental material used to cover or line exposed tooth tissue is known as a liner. Liners are typically used in restorative dentistry to protect the pulp of the tooth from thermal, chemical, and bacterial irritation. They help to seal the cavity, promote healing, and provide a barrier against harmful substances, making them essential in procedures where the dentin or pulp is compromised.

Liners can be made from various materials, including calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer, or resin-modified glass ionomer, which can also provide additional benefits such as promoting secondary dentin formation and having antibacterial properties. In the context of restorative procedures, the use of liners is crucial when the remaining tooth structure is minimal, ensuring that further decay or damage does not occur.

Other options, like composite and filling, generally refer to materials used to restore a tooth after decay has been removed but do not specifically serve the role of protecting exposed tissue. Cement, on the other hand, is often used for dental crowns or bridges but does not primarily function to line or cover exposed tooth tissue in the same protective manner as a liner does. This highlights the specific purpose and function that a liner serves in dental care.