Finite element analysis of thermo-mechanical loaded teeth

This paper presents the possibility of applying the finite element method for the analysis of stress level in hard dental tissues, restored with class I dental filling and exposed to thermal and mechanical load. The studies were made on a geometrical model imitating the real geometry of a premolar tooth obtained using the X-ray microtomography technique and CAD software. The distributions of reduced stress defined in accordance with the Huber–Mises–Hencky (H–M–H) hypothesis in hard dental tissues were analyzed, and assessment of the degree of strength of the adhesive layer at the border of the composite restoration and biological tissue was attempted. The application of numerical simulations (Abaqus) enables real assessment of the tooth tissue strength, which allows assessing the risk of unsuccessful dental treatment, and helps prepare rational methods of preventing tooth damage resulting from load. Maximum reduced stresses were located in areas of the external load attachment and exceeded 668.8 MPa with the force loading and 34 MPa and 58.4 MPa with temperature loading of 55 °C and 5 °C respectively. Superposition of loadings has produced maximum stresses of 669.4 MPa in the case of 5 °C.

► We model tooth with the class I restoration. ► We examine stresses distribution in separate loading of force and temperature. ► We examine the superposition of loading by force and temperature. ► Values of stresses were 11–9 times higher in case of force loading. ► Superposition showed lower temperature more dangerous.