Stress analysis in mandibular first molar after enlargement to different dimensions (A Finite Element Study)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different access cavity designs and root canal preparations on the stress distribution of the mandibular first molar after functional loading using finite element analysis. An intact mandibular first molar with mature apex was selected and scanned with high resolution cone beam CT in the endodontic mode, then the DICOM images were imported into Mimics 19.01(Materialise NV), 3-matic Medical 11.0(Materialise NV) soft wares and SolidWorks to create the 3D solid model. SolidWorks software was used to design the two different access cavity designs and root canal preparations, then the root canals were filled with simulated gutta percha and the access cavities with simulated composite resin restoration. Then a load of 250N was applied in the vertical and oblique directions. The stress distribution on the finite element models was evaluated mathematically at the occlusal surface, cervical area, and radicullary in solidworks software package. After access cavities preparation, the results of the present study showed that the location of the maximum VM occlusal stress values was related to the site of the loading points application. The stress distributed in the actinomorphic pattern. The models prepared with the CAC showed the highest VM values followed by the models prepared with the TAC then the sound one in both loading conditions.