[Construction of three-dimensional finite element model of rat molar].
OBJECTIVE
This paper was to construct three-dimensional finite element model of rat molar, and to access mechanical stress distribution in the tooth and periodontia.


METHODS
The first maxillary molar of adult rat was moved for 2 weeks with initial force of 40 g and 100 g. The histological specimen of tooth and surrounding structures were sectioned serially at 4 microns-thick slices in the coronary direction. The section's microscopic photographic images were made every 140 microns. The structural information of images was traced and fed into computer for three-dimensional reconstruction of the structure and finite element model.


RESULTS
The stress distribution in periodontia which lies between tooth and alveolar bone was very complicated.


CONCLUSIONS
The three-dimensional finite element model of rat molar is simple, precise, and effective for analyzing stress in tooth and periodontia.
Lu
Y Q
YQ
Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078.
Zhang
S Y
SY
Jian
X C
XC
Ren
L F
LF
D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008963:Molar; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013314:Stress, Mechanical