What material is used to protect the pulpal area of a tooth?

The correct answer is that a base is used to protect the pulpal area of a tooth. In dental procedures, a base serves as a layer placed over the dentin to provide thermal insulation, mechanical support, and protection against irritants that could otherwise affect the pulp. Bases are used in restorative dentistry, especially when the cavity preparation is deep and close to the pulp. They help to create a barrier that can prevent sensitivity and promote healing.

Cement typically refers to the material that binds restorations to the tooth, and while it can provide some degree of protection, it does not serve the same purpose as a base in relation to direct pulpal protection. Fillings are restorative materials designed primarily to fill cavities after decay removal and do not offer the protective benefits that a base provides for the pulp. Sealants are used as a preventive measure to cover the grooves and pits of teeth to prevent decay but do not protect the pulpal area. Thus, a base is specifically formulated for the protective role it plays in dental restorations.