Longevity of Glass Ionomer Restorations in an Older Adult Population

Abstract

This study investigates longevity of glass ionomer restorations in an older adult population. This was a retrospective study based on clinical records. Patient records for 3,665 restorations in 1,777 adults 65 or older who had received a restoration between 12th July 2016 and 20th October 2022 were extracted from the electronic dental records system of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics. The data were analyzed to determine the influence of patient factors and restorative material on restoration longevity. Single variable and multiple variable survival models were created. Many variables that showed a statistically significant influence on restoration longevity in the single variable survival models did not show such an influence in the multivariable model, indicating the effect of these variables is explained when other factors are controlled for. In particular, patient age at the time of restoration showed no significant influence in the multivariable model, and no medical factor had a statistically significant influence. The restorative material did show a significant influence in the multivariable model; using the resin-modified glass ionomer restorative (Fuji II LC) as a reference, the conventional glass ionomer restorative (Fuji IX) had a hazard ratio of 2.0 (p = 0.011), and the coated-conventional glass ionomer restorative (Equia) had a hazard ratio of 2.8 (p < 0.001). Resin-modified glass ionomer restorations may have superior longevity for older adults than conventional and coated-conventional glass ionomer restorations.