Clinical decision support system for management of root canal treated teeth

Abstract

Root canal treated teeth require proper prosthodontic restoration following therapy to ensure long-term success. Although the subject has been widely researched and published in dental literature, the topic of best way to restore endodontically treated teeth still remains an area prone to anecdotal decision-making. Inappropriate management of such teeth can cause adverse clinical consequences and significant inconvenience to the patient as well as financial implications both for the patient and provider. To address this problem, we have developed a clinical decision support and training system based on expert knowledge and evidence-based guidelines that provides case-specific recommendations, alerts and treatment prognosis. This method presentation article provides design and implementation details of the system that can be leveraged by students and less-experienced clinicians at point-of-care to enhance decision-making and improve treatment outcomes for endodontically treated teeth.