Efficient 3D finite element analysis of dental restorative procedures using micro-CT data

Magne, Pascal

doi:10.1016/j.dental.2006.03.013

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Volume 23, Issue 5 , Pages 539-548, May 2007

Efficient 3D finite element analysis of dental restorative procedures using micro-CT data

University of Southern California, Division of Primary Oral Health Care, School of Dentistry, 925 West 34th Street, DEN 4366, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, United States

Received 3 November 2005; received in revised form 23 March 2006; accepted 27 March 2006.

Abstract

Objectives

This investigation describes a rapid method for the generation of finite element models of dental structures and restorations.

Methods

An intact mandibular molar was digitized with a micro-CT scanner. Surface contours of enamel and dentin were fitted following tooth segmentation based on pixel density using an interactive medical image control system. Stereolithography (STL) files of enamel and dentin surfaces were then remeshed to reduce mesh density and imported in a rapid prototyping software, where Boolean operations were used to assure the interfacial mesh congruence (dentinoenamel junction) and simulate different cavity preparations (MO/MOD preparations, endodontic access) and restorations (feldspathic porcelain and composite resin inlays). The different tooth parts were then imported in a finite element software package to create 3D solid models. The potential use of the model was demonstrated using nonlinear contact analysis to simulate occlusal loading. Cuspal deformation was measured at different restorative steps and correlated with existing experimental data for model validation and optimization.

Results

Five different models were validated by existing experimental data. Cuspal widening (between mesial cusps) at 100N load ranged from 0.4μm for the unrestored tooth, 9–12μm for MO, MOD cavities, to 12–21μm for endodontic access cavities. Placement of an MOD adhesive restoration in porcelain resulted in 100% cuspal stiffness recovery (0.4μm of cuspal widening at 100N) while the composite resin inlay allowed for a partial recuperation of cusp stabilization (1.3μm of cuspal widening at 100N).

Significance

The described method can generate detailed and valid three dimensional finite element models of a molar tooth with different cavities and restorative materials. This method is rapid and can readily be used for other medical (and dental) applications.

Keywords: Finite element analysis, Restorative dentistry, Cuspal flexure, Composite resins, Porcelain inlays