What is the ideal action when experiencing desiccation during cavity preparation?

When experiencing desiccation, or excessive drying, during cavity preparation, the best course of action is to moisten the area before applying materials. This approach is essential because a dry preparation site can negatively affect the bonding and retention of restorative materials. When enamel or dentin becomes desiccated, it loses its natural hydration, which can lead to decreased adhesion of the filling materials, potentially resulting in a weaker final restoration.

Moistening the area ensures that the surfaces are properly hydrated, promoting the effective adhesion of the restorative materials and preventing further issues such as micro-leakage or restoration failure. Furthermore, a moist environment helps to maintain the integrity of the tooth structure during the procedure.

Other options do not effectively address the issue of desiccation. Simply ignoring the condition may compromise the quality of the restoration, while applying additional pressure could further damage the tooth structure. Using a stronger adhesive may not resolve issues stemming from inadequate moisture during the initial preparation, as the fundamental problem pertains to the dry substrate rather than the adhesive's strength.