ABSTRACT
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution in an endodontically treated tooth restored with two different reinforcing fibers followed by direct composite restoration using a finite element analysis (FEA). Settings and Design: FEA. Subjects and Methods: Two three-dimensional models of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors were restored with two reinforcing fibers: the polyethylene fibers (PFs) and the short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC), respectively. The restoration was carried out without any intraradicular preparation using direct composite restoration. The models were generated using SolidWorks. The elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio for various structures and materials were installed into the simulation software, Abaqus. A FEA was then conducted. Each model received a mixed-mode loading of 150 N as distributed pressure to the specified region, and stress distribution was evaluated using the von Mises criteria. Results: Both the reinforcing materials, PF and SRFC, showed maximum concentration of stresses in the cervical third of the tooth. The calculated values of the von Mises stresses for the PF and the SFRC models were 1.7 Mpa and 1.9 Mpa, respectively. Moreover, the stresses generated were of low intensity and were uniformly distributed, suggesting that by using this technique, stresses may be very well tolerated by the remaining tooth structure without any fracture. Conclusion: This no-posttechnique, using the two reinforcing fibers, showed minimal stress concentration in the cervical region of the tooth. Thus, using this ultraconservative approach that aims to preserve and reinforce the pericervical dentin and restore the remaining tooth structure with direct composite restoration could be a promising treatment option for the rehabilitation of badly mutilated teeth.
