Stress Distribution in Radicular Dentin with Different Post and Core Materials: A 3D Finite Element Analysis

This study aims to evaluate the stress distribution of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and high noble alloy materials in a detailed 3D model of a central incisor using finite element analysis (FEA). A comprehensive 3D model incorporated the crown, crown cement, post and core, post cement, central incisor root, periodontal ligament (PDL), and bone. The PEEK and high noble alloy material properties were input into the model, and the FEA was performed using ABAQUS software. The results showed that while the stresses on the bone, root, and crown increased slightly with the PEEK compared to the high noble alloy, the difference was minimal and attributed to the PEEK’s reduced stiffness. This led to a higher load transfer to surrounding regions around the post. The factor of safety decreased from 16 to 10 when using PEEK, but this reduction was still within acceptable limits and reduced stress-shielding effects. In conclusion, while there was no significant difference in stress magnitudes and distributions between the PEEK and high noble alloys, the PEEK exhibited superior stress-shielding properties, which may offer an advantage in preserving the underlying tooth structure in post and core restorations.