Abstract

Excavation of carious lesions and restoration of the resulting cavities is a therapeutic activity older than the pyramids of Giza. A better understanding of the biological aspects of this procedure and the materials used has led to a silent revolution in the dental restorative materials and techniques. The fact that complete removal of caries is undesirable in deeper lesions is an intriguing concept. This paradigm shift in restorative dentistry has fueled parallel research in the utility of ‘liners’ underneath restorations. Liners that were traditionally used subjacent to dental amalgam restorations were extrapolated to be used under composite resin restorations also, albeit with glass ionomer cement (GIC), flowable resin composite, or resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). Later research shows unclear evidence of any benefit of the use of any liner under dental composite material, whether in cavities devoid of caries or in cavities with residual caries. This article seeks to present the evidence that makes the step of applying a liner redundant in a concise manner for the benefit of restorative dentists who may be sitting on the fence on this issue.

Keywords: Calcium hydroxide; Composite resin; Dental caries; Dental cavity lining; Zinc-oxide eugenol cement.