title: [Construction of three-dimensional finite element model of rat molar].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078.
authors.forename: Y Q
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: X C
authors.initials: XC
authors.lastname: Jian
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Ren
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008963:Molar; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013314:Stress, Mechanical