Highly-filled flowable composite in deep margin elevation: FEA study obtained from a microCT real model

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Deep margin elevation is crucial for restoring deep cavities.
• Understanding interfacial stress is key to material longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate shear stress (SS) and normal pressure (NP) at the tooth-restoration interface.
• To assess highly-filled flowable resin composite in deep margin elevation using FEM analysis.

Main Methods:

• A 3D Finite Element (FE) model was created from a micro-CT scan of a maxillary molar.
• An axial chewing load was simulated to analyze interfacial SS and NP.
• Effects of different materials and cervical substrates were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Highly-filled flowable composites demonstrated more homogeneous stress distribution than ceramics.
• Using a highly-filled flowable composite liner significantly reduced SS and NP.
• Enamel cervical margins showed a protective effect on stress distribution.

Conclusions:

• Highly-filled flowable resin composites show promise for deep margin elevation.
• Further research is needed to validate findings and clarify enamel's role.