A Review of Glass Ionomer as ‘ART’ Sealant

Original Article

2020-20-03 Dentistry

Pit and fissure sealants are a highly effective method for prevention of dental caries by forming a physical barrier, preventing accumulation of micro-organisms and food debris in the fissures. Currently, resin-based sealants and glass-ionomer sealants are the two main forms of sealants used clinically. Resin-based sealants are highly moisture sensitive and hence, glass-ionomer sealants which are less sensitive to moisture are used. With the advent of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART), high-viscosity glass-ionomers were introduced as ART sealant, which are retained longer than low and medium viscosity glass-ionomers, but shorter than resin-based sealant materials. Use of ART sealants is an effective caries preventive approach in partially erupted young permanent molars of children and in community based dental programs where electrically powered dental equipment is not available.