A patient presents with recurrent cervical (root surface) caries at multiple teeth. Which restorative material is most appropriate for restoring these lesions, especially in an elderly or high-caries-risk patient?

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is the material of choice for cervical and root surface caries because: (1) It chemically bonds to dentin and cementum without requiring complete moisture control; (2) It continuously releases fluoride, providing long-term caries inhibition and remineralization of adjacent tooth structure; (3) Its coefficient of thermal expansion is close to dentin, reducing microleakage at the cervical margin; (4) It is easy to place in gingival sulcus environments where moisture control is challenging. In elderly patients with xerostomia or high caries risk, the sustained fluoride release is particularly valuable. Resin-modified GIC (RMGIC) offers improved mechanical properties. Composite resin requires excellent moisture control and bonding, which is difficult at the CEJ. Amalgam has no fluoride release and requires undercut preparation, making it less ideal for cervical lesions.