title: CT scan-based finite element analysis of premolar cuspal deflection following operative procedures.
abstract: The objective of this investigation was to present a novel method to facilitate and accelerate geometry acquisition/modification during the fabrication of finite element models of tooth restorations. Microcomputed tomographic data, stereolithography, and surface-driven automatic meshing were used to generate premolar finite element models with different occlusoproximal cavity preparations and corresponding composite resin restorations. Occlusal loading was simulated by nonlinear contact analysis. Cuspal widening was measured and correlated with existing experimental data for model validation. Cuspal widening during application of a 150-N load ranged from 2.7 Mum for the unrestored tooth to 5 to 179 Mum for the different preparations and 3.5 to 6.9 Mum for the different restorations. The described method was efficient and generated detailed and valid three-dimensional finite element models. These models were used to study the effect of restorative procedures on cuspal deflection and revealed high cuspal strains associated with mesio-occlusodistal preparations and restorations compared to individual two-surface preparations. This study confirmed that, whenever possible during removal of interdental decay, an intact marginal ridge should be maintained to avoid three-surface preparations such as the mesio-occlusodistal and the high cuspal strain associated with this design.
authors.affiliation: Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation Chair of Esthetic Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. magne@usc.edu
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Magne
authors.forename: Tevan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oganesyan
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000009:adverse effects; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography