Finite element analysis of strength characteristics of various resin based restorative materials in Class V cavities.

This study investigated the strength characteristics of various composites (Tetric Ceram, Tetric Flow, Prisma AP.H, Synergy Duo Shade, Synergy Compact, and Z 100) and compomers (Compoglass, Compoglass F, Dyract AP, F 2000) that were applied in a Class V cavity of a maxillary central incisor. The study was conducted by using a 3-dimensional finite element approach and in the study ansys package program was used. The tooth model had 294 elements and 420 nodes. The teeth considered were assumed to be subjected to an incisal load of 200 N acting at an angle of 26 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the tooth but the effects of different loading angles and different loads were also analysed. Hence, the loads of 100 and 400 N and the loading angles of 0 degrees representing bruxism and 90 degrees representing a traumatic load were also taken into consideration. The effects of the cavity preparation size were also studied. It was determined that any increase in the loading angle and/or the amount of the load resulted in a proportional increase in the stresses developed in the tooth. Furthermore it was also verified that, as a cavity weakens the tooth structure by creating a discontinuity in an intact tooth, the larger sized cavity preparations inevitably cause larger stresses to be developed in the tooth. Strictly from the mechanical point of view, the stresses developed in the restored teeth were determined to be inversely proportional with the modulus of elasticity of the restorative materials. Therefore within the scope of the study Z 100 was found to be superior to the other materials concerned.

Fracture resistance of Class II approximal slot restorations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Determination of the fracture resistance of various restorative materials in Class II approximal slot restorations has not been studied. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of retention grooves and different restorative materials in Class II approximal slot restorations. To explore the possibilities for further research, the probable effects of preparation size and loading angle were investigated in a limited manner. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety sound, caries-free human maxillary premolars were divided into 9 groups. The cavities were prepared either by hand or in a computer-controlled CNC machine with or without retention grooves. Four were restored with adhesive amalgam, another 4 with composite, and a single group with Compomer resin. The gingival floor depth was 1.5 mm. The specimens were loaded at an angle of 13. 5 degrees to their longitudinal axes by using a computer-controlled material testing machine until failure occurred. For one specific preparation of adhesive amalgam, loading was applied at 0 and 30 degrees to determine the probable effects of the loading angle. For a specific composite, resin application, the effects of the change in gingival floor depth were analyzed by assigning the depth to 2.0 mm. RESULTS: Composite and Compomer resin and composite exhibited better performance than amalgam. The existence of the retention grooves proved to be effective for adhesive amalgam restorations but did not have any advantageous effect in composite and Compomer restoration. CONCLUSION: For improved fracture resistance in small approximal restorations, the use of composite was the appropriate choice. Compomer also gave satisfactory results. Use of amalgam restoration should be accompanied with retention grooves and an adhesive system to improve its performance.

Analysis of stress distribution in a maxillary central incisor subjected to various post and core applications.

In this study, stress distribution in a maxillary central incisor that was subjected to endodontic treatment and various post and core applications was determined by using a three-dimensional finite-element method. Cast gold post and gold core and different combinations of prefabricated stainless steel post, or a prefabricated titanium post with amalgam or composite cores were considered. In all cases, the tooth was assumed to have a porcelain crown. The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate the stress distribution due to simulated biting forces and thus investigate the reliability of different post and core applications. It was found that, within the limitations of the study, the cast gold post and gold core application yielded the best result. The second purpose of the study was to highlight the importance of using a unique stress value, which contains the effects of all the possible stress components existing upon loading in the determination of a possible failure. A resultant stress value and all the constituent components were shown in detail, and it was proved that an estimation independently based on an individual component might lead to erroneous results.

Analysis of stress distribution in a vertically condensed maxillary central incisor root canal.

In this study, the stress distribution in a maxillary central incisor subjected to an endodontic treatment was determined by using a three-dimensional finite-element method. The tooth had a variable root canal cross-sectional area, and the canal was assumed to be filled with vertical condensation. The Clinical practice was simulated by considering the obturation in successive stages. The main aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of fracture due to the obturation process. It was found that, within the limits of the study, the likelihood of a root fracture in such a process is a remote possibility.