A finite element analysis of ceramic restorations in endodontically treated premolars.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the level and distribution of stresses in endodontically treated maxillary premolar teeth restored using various cavity designs of bonded all-ceramic restorations. The hypothesis tested was that the various all-ceramic approaches, including incorporating a pulp chamber extension in the restoration, had no influence on the stresses in the restored tooth unit.


METHODS
Finite element packages Patran and Abaqus were used for the stress analysis. The cavity designs investigated include: (1) inlay (I); (2) inlay with palatal cusp coverage (IPC); (3) onlay (O); (4) inlay with pulp chamber extension (IPE); (5) inlay with palatal cusp coverage and pulp chamber extension (IPCPE); and (6) onlay with pulp chamber extension (OPE).


RESULTS
In each case, tensile stresses were found to be concentrated subjacent to the occlusal fossa. Peak tensile stress and peak shear stress values along the tooth/restoration interface for IPC, O IPCPE and OPE cavity designs were found to be associated with the axiogingival line angle. Overall, the order of the various forms of restoration investigated in terms of the maximum principal stress (from greatest to lowest) was as follows: IPE > IPCPE > OPE > I > IPC > O.
Seow
Liang Lin
LL
School of Dentistry, International Medical University, 126, Jalan 19/155B, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. llseow@gmail.com
Toh
Chooi Gait
CG
Fok
Alex Siu-Lun
AS
Wilson
Nairn H F
NH
D000269:Adhesives; D001641:Bicuspid; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007284:Inlays / Q000379:methods*; D033081:Shear Strength; D013718:Tensile Strength; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital
D000269:Adhesives; D003776:Dental Porcelain