Glass-Ionomer cements in the restorative therapeutics in primary teeth and permanent teeth

Abstract

Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are biomaterial compounds of basic glasses and an acid polymer with a setting reaction of acid-base type. They are booming these decades due to the improvement in their properties and the development of minima dentistry. The present study aims at assessing the awareness, aptitudes and practices of dental surgeons in Abidjan with regard to the use of glass ionomer cements. A cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire to 102 dental surgeons in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). This study has shown that 100% of the surveyed practitioners were trained to use the glass ionomer cements restorations at the university, but 19.61% did not realize it. For 22.55%, GIC restorations concern only primary teeth while 55.88% concluded that they concern both primary and permanent teeth. Finally, for 1,96%, GIC concern solely permanent teeth. In their daily practice, 14.71% of practitioners had made GCI their preferred material in restorative therapeutics. A better indication accuracy of those materials and practitioners’ motivation is needed with the view of increasing their use.