[Re-restoration decisions].

Objective: In this study an attempt was made to explain some of the interobserver variation in re-restoration decision making using.
Method: A simplified re-restoration case was shown to 22 dentists who were asked what treatment decision they would make, and what factors would play a role in their decision. The treatment decisions were compared to the outcomes of a knowledge-system on re-restoration decision making.
Results: The dentists unanimously selected re-restoration as the treatment alternative. Half of the dentists preferred amalgam, and the other half chose composite as restorative material. This variation could be explained almost fully by the dentists' weighs on the factors 'tissue loss during preparation', 'restoration and preservation of the chewing function' and 'prognosis and durability of the restoration'. The knowledge system indicated that more than 80% of the dentists actually should have selected composite resin for a restorative material.
Conclusions: It was concluded that the availability of knowledge and its application can explain variation in re-restoration decisions. Knowledge systems can be used in designing practice guidelines.