· 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