Tooth fracture risk analysis based on a new finite element dental structure models using micro-CT data

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Computational Mechanics
• Dental Engineering

Background:

• Finite element (FE) analysis is crucial for evaluating the strength and fracture risk of endodontically-treated teeth.
• Accurate FE models are essential for understanding biomechanical behavior and predicting failure.
• Current methods for creating detailed tooth FE models can be time-consuming and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and comprehensive method for generating 3D finite element models of teeth using micro-computed tomography (μCT) data.
• To incorporate material property inhomogeneity based on mineral density without manual regional division.
• To assess fracture risk in different tooth portions following root canal treatments with varying root canal geometries.

Main Methods:

• Micro-CT images of a tooth were processed using Matlab to retrieve CT numbers.
• Tooth contours were segmented using Amira, and inner/outer surfaces were imported into Solidworks for 3D model construction.
• The tooth model, periodontal ligament (PDL), and surrounding bone were assembled in ABAQUS, with material properties derived from CT numbers via user subroutines.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive 3D finite element model of a tooth was successfully generated using μCT data.
• Material properties were integrated based on mineral density, reflecting natural tooth inhomogeneity.
• Fracture risk was assessed for three root canal geometries, demonstrating the model's utility.

Conclusions:

• The proposed rapid method effectively generates detailed 3D FE models of teeth with varying root canal treatments.
• This approach allows for the assessment of fracture risk in different tooth portions after endodontic procedures.
• The method is highly valuable for research and clinical applications in restorative dentistry and endodontics.