Glass ionomer cement as alternative treatment for vulnerable geriatric patients with caries or cavities

Abstract

This work aims at a bibliographical review on the efficacy of Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and its feasibility in a traumatic restorative treatments (ART) for geriatric patients. The research was conducted online, primarily at PubMed the academic database platform. Due to its focus on a specific age group, the terms of research were divided in three parts: i) “Elderly AND atraumatic restorative treatment AND root caries”; ii) “Elderly AND atraumatic restorative treatment AND glass ionomer cement”; and iii) Glass ionomer cement AND root caries”. Out of all the works found, 21 tackled the issue specifically. The existing literature, thus, has indicated that glass ionomer cements are ideal because of their advantages in terms time, costs, and clinical application. Nevertheless, more randomized and controlled studies are needed to offer more conclusive answers on its efficacy in the treatment of cavity lesions in elderly patients, as well as the advantages of using such technique.