Preferred Label : smear layer;
MeSH definition : Adherent debris produced when cutting the enamel or dentin in cavity preparation.
It is about 1 micron thick and its composition reflects the underlying dentin, although
different quantities and qualities of smear layer can be produced by the various instrumentation
techniques. Its function is presumed to be protective, as it lowers dentin permeability.
However, it masks the underlying dentin and interferes with attempts to bond dental
material to the dentin.;
MeSH synonym : layer, smear;
MeSH annotation : note category: in dental cavity preparation;
Wikipedia link : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smear layer;
Origin ID : D016369;
UMLS CUI : C0085070;
Allowable qualifiers
Record concept(s)
Semantic type(s)
Adherent debris produced when cutting the enamel or dentin in cavity preparation.
It is about 1 micron thick and its composition reflects the underlying dentin, although
different quantities and qualities of smear layer can be produced by the various instrumentation
techniques. Its function is presumed to be protective, as it lowers dentin permeability.
However, it masks the underlying dentin and interferes with attempts to bond dental
material to the dentin.