Current aspects of atraumatic restorative treatment

Abstract

In many countries, besides in Brazil, the dentistry has difficulties in settling down, because financial resources for the equipments acquisition are insufficient. Looking for to solve those problems, a simplified treatment, denominated atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), was developed. The aim of this study was, through a systematic literature review, expose and discuss the main current related aspects with this restorative treatment approach. A bibliographical review was accomplished in the available health data base, such as, BBO, Lilacs and Medline, and the selected studies were published between 1991 to 2005. The subjects for the article selection were: types of restorative material, time of clinical evaluation, social inclusion and comparison between the conventional techniques and ART. It was observed that ART doesn’t indicate for all the types of cavities. In the analyzed studies, the time of clinical evaluation varies of six months to three years, and about the used materials, glass ionomer cements reached the best results. The studies show similar success when compared ART approach and amalgam conventional restorations. The ART is a viable and effective alternative mainly to provide dentistry care for population groups of more needed. More clinics, laboratory, behavior, and economic researches should be accomplished, looking for the improvement of the method.