Biomechanical performance of resin composite on dental tissue restoration: A finite element analysis

This study investigates the biomechanical performance of various dental materials when filled in different cavity designs and their effects on surrounding dental tissues. Finite element models of three infected teeth with different cavity designs, Class I (occlusal), Class II mesial-occlusal (MO), and Class II mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) were constructed. These cavities were filled with amalgam, composites (Young's moduli of 10, 14, 18, 22, and 26 GPa), and glass carbomer cement (GCC). An occlusal load of 600 N was distributed on the top surface of the teeth to carry out simulations. The findings revealed that von Mises stress was higher in GCC material, with cavity Class I (46.01 MPa in the enamel, 23.61 MPa in the dentin), and for cavity Class II MO von Mises stress was 43.64 MPa, 39.18 MPa in enamel and dentin respectively, while in case of cavity Class II MOD von Mises stress was 44.67 MPa in enamel, 27.5 in the dentin. The results showed that higher stresses were generated in the non-restored tooth compared to the restored one, and increasing Young's modulus of restorative composite material decreases stresses in enamel and dentin. The use of composite material showed excellent performance which can be a good viable option for restorative material compared to other restorative materials.