Dental caries under glass ionomer restorations

The Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) technique has two potential limitations. Because only hand instruments are used, dental caries can be left during cavity preparation. Beyond this limitation, the glass ionomer filling material currently used has some unfavorable mechanical properties with respect to its strength, wear resistance, and shrinkage during setting. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of changes that can be expected in carious dentin when a glass ionomer restoration is placed. Restriction of the substrate supply and the release of different components from the glass ionomer have an inhibiting effect on cariogenic microorganisms. Whether this influence is sufficient to completely arrest the caries process is doubtful. The influence of glass ionomers on the remineralization of carious dentin needs further research.