Examination of stress distributions on Class V restorations using nanohybrid resin composite: A 3D finite element stress analysis

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the distribution of stress zones in composite resins and dental tissues applied to different-sized Class V cavities in the cervical region of the tooth as a result of the forces acting on the tooth in a computer environment using the finite element method. Methodology: The extracted lower first molar tooth was scanned and recorded with a dental tomography device. Images were obtained as DICOM files, and these files were imported into the Mimics 12.00 program. In this program, a 3D image of the tooth was created and converted to Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files. The obtained STL files were transferred to the Geomagic Design X program, and Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STP) files were created. The SolidWorks program was used to create different sizes of Class V cavity preparation, restorative material layers, adhesive material layers, and periodontal tissues. Finally, a finite element (FE) model was created in the ABAQUS program, and stress distributions were analyzed. Results: When the depth was kept constant and the width was increased, the amount of stress on the enamel tissue decreased, while the amount of stress on all other tissues and the restorative material increased. When the width was kept constant and the depth was increased, the amount of stress on the restorative material, adhesive layer, and cortical bone increased, while the amount of stress on the enamel layer, dentin layer, periodontal ligament, and trabecular bone decreased. Conclusion: Based on the values found in the study, the model that produced the least stress on the restorative material was the model with the least depth and width. However, the stress accumulation in the enamel tissue was higher in this model compared to the other models. As a result, the lifespan of restorative materials may be longer in cavities prepared more shallowly and narrowly during the preparation phase. How to cite this article: Harmankaya A, Gönder HY, Mohammadi R, Karaköy H, Tunçdemir MT, Yüksel İB, Göktolga EG. Examination of stress distributions on Class V restorations using nanohybrid resin composite: A 3D finite element stress analysis. Int Dent Res. 2024;14(S1):90-97. https://doi.org/10.5577/indentres.562