10.25241/stomaeduj.2020.7(1).art.4 -abstract

  • OCCLUSION AND TMJ

Analysis of stress generated in the enamel of an upper first premolar: a finite element study

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2020.7(1).art.4

 

Abstract
Introduction
This study investigated the distribution and magnitude of stress generated in the enamel of an upper first premolar, after applying normal and excessive occlusal loads in a vertical and horizontal direction, using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Methodology A 3D virtual model of an upper first premolar was analyzed. The CT images of the tooth were converted into 3D data using the program MIMICS and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used for the stress study. To better understand the distribution of stress generated by occlusal loading, the situation of the enamel in various 3D virtual models was presented. 14 scenarios for the occlusal loading of the virtual models of the upper first premolar were obtained and the areas with the highest concentration of stress were emphasized.
Results In the model with the tooth intact, stress values were higher than the admissible ones in the simulation of the excessive vertical loading, normal horizontal loading and excessive horizontal loading. Stress was found in the buccal cusp area and in the cervical area, mainly on the buccal side of the tooth. In the models with horizontal occlusal tooth wear, stress values were higher than the admissible ones in the simulation of the excessive vertical loading. Stress was found in the cervical area. In the models with oblique occlusal tooth wear, stress values were higher than the admissible ones in the simulation of the normal and excessive horizontal loading. Stress was found mainly in cervical area, on the buccal side of the tooth.
Conclusions The most harmful loads were the heavy vertical ones and the horizontal ones, no matter the magnitude.

Keywords
Tooth Wear; Finite Element Analysis; Stress, Non-Carious Cervical Lesions.