What are benefits of ART beyond preservation of tooth structure?

• A. Requires heavy equipment and long chair time
• B. Suitable for low-resource settings, reduced need for anesthesia, and fluoride release
• C. Increases need for anesthesia, and has no fluoride release
• D. Is only applicable to anterior teeth

Answer: (B)

ART offers benefits beyond preserving tooth structure by being practical in low-resource settings, often reducing or eliminating the need for anesthesia, and using materials that release fluoride to aid caries prevention. It relies on hand instruments and a minimally invasive approach, which means less equipment, shorter chair time, and lower costs—making treatment more feasible in clinics with limited resources. The glass ionomer cement used in ART bonds to tooth structure and continuously releases fluoride, helping remineralize adjacent areas and reduce the risk of secondary decay. It is also adaptable to both anterior and posterior teeth, not limited to one region.