Advantages of calcium hydroxide-
· Initially bactericidal then bacteriostatic.
· Promotes healing and repair.
· High pH stimulates fibroblasts
· Neutralizes low pH of acids
· Stops internal resorption
· Inexpensive and easy to use.
· Particles may obturate open tubercles.
Disadvantages of calcium hydroxide-
· does not exclusively stimulate dentinogenesis
· does exclusively stimulate reparative dentin.
· Associated with primary tooth resorption
· May dissolve after one year with cavosurface dissolution.
· May degrade during acid etching
· Degrades upon tooth flexure
· Marginal failure with amalgam condensation
· Does not adhere to dentin or resin restoration
