Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) technique utilises
## Core Concept
The Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) technique is a dental approach used primarily in low-resource settings. It focuses on managing dental caries using hand instruments and a specific type of restorative material. The core principle behind ART is to remove carious tissue and restore the tooth using a non-invasive, pain-free method.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The ART technique specifically utilizes glass-ionomer cement (GIC) as the restorative material. GIC is chosen because it is easy to apply, does not require a dry field, bonds to tooth structure, and releases fluoride, which helps in preventing further caries. This makes option **C. Glass-ionomer cement** the correct answer.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** Composite resin requires a dry field and a curing light for polymerization, which is not feasible in the ART approach that emphasizes simplicity and field conditions.
- **Option B:** Zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) cements are used for temporary restorations and bases under other restorations but are not the primary material for ART restorations due to their lack of fluoride release and lower durability.
- **Option D:** Amalgam is traditionally used for restorations due to its durability but requires a specific set of instruments for placement and shaping, and does not bond to tooth structure.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember about ART is its reliance on glass-ionomer cement, which not only serves as a restorative material but also provides secondary caries prevention through fluoride release. This technique is especially valuable in low-resource settings where access to electricity for dental drills and curing lights is limited.
## Correct Answer: C. Glass-ionomer cement