When is a liner indicated?

• A. Occlusal wear
• B. Direct or near pulp exposures
• C. Deep caries far from pulp
• D. Temporary sensitivity

Answer: (B)

Linings are placed to protect the dental pulp when there’s a real risk of irritation from the cavity prep or restorative procedure. The indication is when the preparation brings the dentin close to the pulp or directly exposes it. In such cases a liner provides a protective barrier and can help promote reparative dentin formation, reducing the chance of pulpal inflammation.

Occlusal wear alone doesn’t imply pulp irritation requiring a liner. Deep caries that are still far from the pulp means the dentin is thick enough to shield the pulp, so a liner isn’t typically needed. Temporary sensitivity is a symptom, not a trigger for a liner unless it reflects pulpal irritation from an insufficient dentin barrier; otherwise it’s not an automatic indication for liner placement.