Development of Micro-CT-Based Anatomically Accurate Tooth Model for Finite Element Analysis of Composite Restorations

Finite element analysis (FEA) has become an important tool in restorative dentistry for investigating stress distribution in teeth and dental restorations. However, the accuracy of such analyses strongly depends on the anatomical fidelity of the underlying tooth models, which is often limited in simplified geometries. The objective of this study was to develop an anatomically accurate three-dimensional tooth model based on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) data and to evaluate the biomechanical behaviour of sound and composite-restored teeth under clinically relevant loading conditions.

A human tooth was scanned using high-resolution micro-CT imaging. Enamel, dentin, and pulp were segmented and reconstructed into three-dimensional geometries, which were further refined using computer-aided design (CAD) tools. The resulting models were imported into a finite element environment for mechanical simulation. Static loading conditions were applied to both sound and composite-restored tooth models, including a vertical load of 200 N and an oblique load of 200 N applied at a 45° angle to the tooth crown. Von Mises stress distributions were evaluated to characterize stress concentration patterns.

Finite element simulations revealed maximum von Mises stresses of approximately 140 MPa, predominantly localized in the coronal regions of the tooth. Oblique loading produced increased and more asymmetric stress concentrations than vertical loading, particularly in the anterior and posterior crown regions. While overall stress distributions were comparable between sound and composite-restored teeth, locally increased stress levels were observed in restored models under oblique loading.

Anatomically accurate, micro-CT-based finite element tooth models provide a robust framework for biomechanical analysis in restorative dentistry. The presented workflow enables detailed evaluation of stress distribution in composite-restored teeth and may contribute to improved understanding and optimization of restorative materials and treatment strategies.