Predictors of survival of large non-occlusal non-incisal glass-ionomer restorations in older adults.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the predictors of survival of non-occlusal non-incisal glass-ionomer restorations as a surrogate for root surface restorations among older adults. In a retrospective cohort analysis using the University of Iowa College of Dentistry electronic dental records, we included 721 patients aged 65+ who received 2+ surface non-occlusal non-incisal glass ionomer restorations placed from January 2005 - December 2011. Restorations were followed until September 2017 or until they were deemed to have failed. At baseline, participants' mean age was 77.6±8.2 years, and 45.8% were females. Most patients were self-pay (65.2%). Most restorations were placed by residents and dental students (82.7%) and included only two surfaces (95.6%). About half (49.1%) failed during follow-up, with a median survival time of 3.7 years. The time ratio for lower incisors compared to other teeth was 0.6 (p=.006), for three-and-four-surface restorations compared to two was 0.7 (p=.007), for faculty as providers compared to residents and students was 1.4 (p=.039), and for the Geriatric & Special Needs Clinic compared to others was 0.8 (p=.013). Time ratios less than one indicate association with shorter durations for restorations, and time ratios greater than one indicate association with longer durations for restorations. Tooth type, number of restored surfaces, provider type, and clinic were all significant factors associated with survival of these restorations.