Analysis of a restored maxillary second premolar tooth by using three-dimensional finite element method

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Dental restorations require materials with predictable physical properties.
• Understanding stress distribution in restored teeth is crucial for longevity.
• Composite resin and amalgam are common restorative materials, often used with a glass-ionomer base.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally measure physical properties of amalgam, glass-ionomer, and composite resin.
• To numerically investigate stress distribution in a maxillary second premolar restored with composite resin and amalgam on a glass-ionomer base.
• To analyze stresses resulting from mastication forces and thermal changes in restorative materials.

Main Methods:

• Experimental measurement of physical properties for amalgam, glass-ionomer, and composite resin.
• Finite element analysis (FEA) of a maxillary second premolar model.
• Application of a 450 N load at a 45-degree angle to the tooth's longitudinal axis.
• Simulation of stresses from mastication and material contraction/expansion.

Main Results:

• Experimental data on material properties were obtained.
• FEA provided detailed plots of compressive, tensile, and shear stress distributions throughout the restored tooth structure.
• The study identified stress patterns influenced by both external forces and material behavior.

Conclusions:

• The finite element method effectively models stress distribution in restored teeth.
• Understanding stress concentrations is vital for predicting restoration and tooth survival.
• This research provides insights into the biomechanical performance of common dental restorative materials.