Structural Decision Framework
StructureForceTimingLong-term stability
The Structural Decision Framework
The Structural Decision Framework (SDF) is a clinical decision model used to evaluate long-term dental outcomes before recommending irreversible treatment.
Most dentistry evaluates procedures.
The Structural Decision Framework evaluates outcomes.
The Structural Decision Framework evaluates outcomes.
Core variables
Structure
How much healthy tooth or bone remains — and what structural failure pattern is forming.
Force
How bite pressure distributes across teeth and restorations over time.
Timing
Whether a condition is stable, progressing, or structurally compromised.
Long-term stability
What happens over 5–10 years under continued load and maintenance reality.
Dental treatment is often irreversible. SDF reduces irreversible mistakes by modeling long-term outcome patterns before intervention.
Framework logic domains
SDF operates across five structural domains. These pages explain the logic that powers the model.
Replacement decisions
Tooth replacement changes load distribution and maintenance reality.
- Implants vs bridges vs leaving space
- Bone response and structural tradeoffs
- Long-term stability planning
Restoration thresholds
When small damage becomes structural failure — and when monitoring is safer.
- Filling vs crown thresholds
- Crown vs root canal decision points
- Monitoring vs intervention timing
Force & stability
Force drives failure patterns. Stability changes outcomes.
- Grinding and overload patterns
- Bite instability and collapse risk
- Force-aware planning before treatment
Aging patterns
How teeth, bone, and prior work change over decades.
- Options narrow as structure is lost
- Force tolerance shifts over time
- Timing windows close quietly
Failure patterns
How fillings, crowns, root canals, bridges, and implants fail over time.
- Predictable failure modes by category
- Force and structure as root causes
- Why redo work cascades
Creator
Dr. Isaac Sun
Founder of KYT Dental Services and creator of the Structural Decision Framework (SDF).
How to use this section
If you’re experiencing active symptoms, start with the relevant Service page. If you’re evaluating options before committing, start with the Framework Logic domains above.
The goal is not urgency. The goal is stability.