Which dental material is most commonly used for pulp capping?

Calcium hydroxide is commonly used for pulp capping due to its specific properties that promote the healing of the dental pulp. This material acts as an effective barrier to bacteria, minimizing the risk of infection. Its high pH creates an alkaline environment that encourages the formation of reparative dentin and has an antimicrobial effect, which is particularly beneficial in pulp capping procedures. Additionally, calcium hydroxide is an excellent choice due to its compatibility with the surrounding dental tissues and its ability to stimulate pulp healing and dentin formation.

While other materials like glass ionomer, composite resin, and mineral trioxide aggregate have their own applications in dentistry, they do not possess the same specific properties as calcium hydroxide for direct pulp capping. Glass ionomer is often used for its adhesion and fluoride release but lacks the same reparative benefits in pulp capping. Composite resin, while versatile and aesthetic, is not primarily indicated for pulp capping due to its lack of biological response properties. Mineral trioxide aggregate is a strong alternative for pulp capping and offers good sealing properties, but calcium hydroxide is still preferred in many cases, particularly in less complicated situations. Thus, the choice of calcium hydroxide aligns perfectly with the requirements for effective pulp capping therapy.