In dental procedures, bonding agents should never be utilized as which of the following?

Bonding agents are specifically designed to adhere dental materials to tooth structure or to another material, ensuring a strong bond that provides longevity and durability in restorations. These agents play a critical role in procedures such as adhesive dentistry where they are applied to enhance the connection between dentin, enamel, and restorative materials.

Using bonding agents as a lubricant is not appropriate since they do not possess the required properties to reduce friction effectively during procedures. Lubricants are typically used to facilitate the movement of instruments or materials and prevent undue friction, which is crucial in maintaining the integrity of dental procedures.

On the other hand, bonding agents can serve as restorative materials since they assist in attaching filling materials securely to teeth. They are also not intended for use as a cleaning agent, as their purpose is not to clean surfaces but rather to bond materials in place. While sealants and bonding agents share some properties, bonding agents specifically denote their primary purpose in adhesion rather than preventive sealing. Therefore, recognizing bonding agents' primary function in enhancing a strong bond between materials clarifies why they should not be utilized as a lubricant in dental procedures.