[Characterizing the smear layer].

The smear layer was first described as a debris layer which is left on all cavity walls following tooth preparation. It is composed of an outer contiguous layer of amorphous instrumentation matrix which covers all cavity walls, and a deeper zone of matrix plugs which obturate the cut tubules. Recent scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies have characterized the smear layer as mineralized collagen fibers appearing as globules dispersed within an amorphous cutting matrix. Removal of smear plugs increases the outward hydraulic conductance (Lp) of dentinal fluid flow which may lead to dentinal hyperalgesia, bacterial infection and pulp pathosis if left untreated.