The normalized failure index: A method for summarizing the results of studies on restoration longevity?

Abstract

Satisfactory restoration longevity is central to operative dentistry and is the subject of a wide variety of publications. However, combining the results of a number of studies to provide an overview, for example, for a meta-analysis may be problematic because of the heterogeneity of the data, and a high proportion of studies may therefore not be included. It is the purpose of this study to present a means whereby the data from cohort studies may be combined to present a representation of restoration longevity, termed the "Normalized Failure Index." © Operative Dentistry, 2013.