Which instrument is used to apply calcium hydroxide paste to a prepared cavity?

• A. Calcium hydroxide applicator
• B. Air turbine handpiece
• C. Rubber dam
• D. Clamp forceps

Answer: (A)

The main idea is choosing the instrument designed to deposit viscous calcium hydroxide paste precisely into a prepared cavity. Calcium hydroxide paste is thick and needs a tool that can load the paste and place it accurately without spreading or contamination. A calcium hydroxide applicator is specifically built for this task, with a tip that allows controlled, small deposits right where the paste is needed in the pulp chamber or canal space.

Using an air turbine handpiece would be inappropriate here because its cutter role and heat production aren’t suited to delivering paste; it’s used for cutting tooth structure, not placement of medicaments. A rubber dam is for isolation to keep the field dry and clean, not for applying paste. Clamp forceps are used to position clamps for isolation, not for delivering paste.