Final answer:
The dentin debris created during dental procedures is known as the smear layer, consisting of shredded dentin and other organic material.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dentin debris that is created when dentin is cut or prepared by dental instruments is known as smear layer. This material consists of small particles of shredded dentin and can also include remnants of dental pulp tissue along with bacterial elements.
Dentin is a bone-like tissue located beneath the enamel of the crown or the cementum of the root. It surrounds the innermost pulp cavity which includes the blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. During dental procedures such as cavity preparation, the cutting of dentin results in the formation of the smear layer, which can interfere with the bonding process in restorative dentistry. The removal of this layer is an essential step to ensure successful adhesion of materials like fillings or sealants to the tooth's surface.