To what level is a base filled in a dental preparation?

The correct answer, which indicates that a base is filled at the dentin level, aligns with the fundamental principles of dental restorative procedures. A base is used in dental preparations primarily to protect the pulp from thermal shock, chemical irritation, and potential trauma, especially when the cavity preparation is deep and close to the pulp.

Filling the base at the dentin level ensures adequate coverage and support for the materials that will be placed on top, such as a restorative material. The dentin serves as a crucial barrier, and positioning the base here allows for optimal protection without compromising the structure of the tooth or overloading the restoration.

Filling above the enamel would not serve a practical purpose and could interfere with the restorative process, while being at the gingival level does not provide sufficient protection for the pulp. Filling directly at the pulp level would also be detrimental since it could potentially irritate or expose the pulp, undermining the objective of the base. Therefore, filling at the dentin level is the most effective technique in preserving tooth vitality and ensuring long-term restoration success.