BIOMECHANICAL STRESS ANALYSIS IN HUMAN PREMOLAR TOOTH UNDER COMBINED DYNAMIC LOADING

Finite element analysis can be used to bridge the gap between two specialties, dentistry and mechanics, as well as emphasize the interplay that arises between them. In the current study, the biomechanical behavior of a human tooth and surrounding alveolar bone under different masticatory loads was analyzed to improve the quality of care we can provide to patients. Computed tomography (CT) scan data were used to generate the mandibular bone model. A subsequent finite element (FE) model was generated to predict the effects of combined dynamic loads that were applied to the occlusal surface of a premolar on the overall model constituents. The enamel and dentine displayed a high stress distribution, with high equivalent stresses reaching 28 MPa in the mesio-distal direction. The peak stress was concentrated in the cervical region at the mesial side of the enamel-dentine interface, reaching 42 MPa. The von Mises stress distribution was also high, with maximum stresses concentrated at the top surface. These results showed that the highest stress magnitudes computed for the enamel structure were located close to the enamel-dentin interface at the gingival line. On the other hand, in the supporting alveolar bone composed of cortical and trabecular bone tissues, the highest stresses were observed in the cortical bone surrounding the cervical region of the tooth. Lower stresses were observed in the spongy portion at the apex in contact with the tooth root. From the results, it was apparent that the PDL presented the lowest value for stresses but with large deformation, in accordance with the resorption process. This study demonstrated that a higher stress distribution occurs in the enamel and suggests significant structural damage. Additionally, the cortical bone experiences greater stress than the trabecular bone.