Markov models in dentistry: application to resin-bonded bridges and review of the literature

Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2012 Oct;12(5):623-9. doi: 10.1586/erp.12.47.

Abstract

Markov models are mathematical models that can be used to describe disease progression and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions. Markov models allow projecting clinical and economic outcomes into the future and are therefore frequently used to estimate long-term outcomes of medical interventions. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate its use in dentistry, using the example of resin-bonded bridges to replace missing teeth, and to review the literature. We used literature data and a four-state Markov model to project long-term outcomes of resin-bonded bridges over a time horizon of 60 years. In addition, the literature was searched in PubMed Medline for research articles on the application of Markov models in dentistry.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Denture, Partial, Fixed, Resin-Bonded / economics*
  • Humans
  • Markov Chains*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Time Factors