Glass ionomer fillings are recommended primarily for what type of restorations?

Glass ionomer fillings are particularly recommended for Class V restorations, which are typically located on the cervical areas of teeth. This type of restoration is beneficial in areas prone to caries and wear at the gingival margins. One of the key features of glass ionomer materials is their ability to release fluoride, which can help in protecting the tooth structure from further decay, especially important in the challenging environments typical of Class V lesions where plaque accumulation may be an issue.

Glass ionomer also adheres chemically to tooth structure and can bond well with dentin and enamel, enhancing the retention of the restoration in areas exposed to saliva and oral fluids. Their thermal expansion properties are similar to those of tooth structure, minimizing the risk of microleakage that can occur with other restorative materials. Given these beneficial properties, glass ionomer is a suitable choice for Class V restorations, where durability, fluoride release, and adhesion are critical to the success of the treatment.