No abstract

The management of traumatic dental caries in primary teeth has the main objective to avoid their consequences that can affect the immediate and longterm quality of life of the child. Aggressive forms of decays can develop on smooth surfaces of teeth and progress rapidly, the effect being detrimental on the dentition. The objective of this study was to compare the stress and displacement distributions in the models of two assemblies by means of the three-dimensional finite element analysis: deciduous maxillary lateral incisor - restorative filling – bone structure and deciduous mandibular lateral incisor – restorative filling – bone structure respectively. Both models were subjected to a 120 N static load applied on the upper surface. The models were built from computed-tomography scans. Two different restorative dental materials were considered. In addition, the results obtained were compared with previous research of the authors, i.e. the mechanical behavior of a deciduous restored molar and deciduous restored canine respectively. As a result of the study, it can be concluded that the biomechanical analysis of deciduous dental caries is a valuable aid in enabling the dentist to make correct and effective treatment decisions.

The literature reports that dental cavities are an international public health challenge and treatment of decays especially for young children is a medical problem of great importance. Early childhood caries progress rapidly and can cause functional, physical and dentofacial aesthetic impairment. Recent studies show that caries lesions can compromise children’s quality of life due to the pain and discomfort which could lead to disfigurement, acute and chronic infections and to alteration of meals and sleeping habits. Tooth decay occurs when acids in the mouth dissolve the outer layers of the tooth, stripping the tooth of important minerals. Because dental decay often goes untreated, the cavity grows and more tooth structure is lost. Restorative dentistry has the main purpose of rehabilitating the function and aesthetic of tooth. The structural integrity of the restored teeth depends on the state of stress in their different regions due to occlusal loads. The aim of this study performed with the finite element method is to evaluate the stress and strain distributions in bone structure-primary canine-restorative material assembly when a load of 120N is applied all over the upper surface of the model. Particular attention was given to an accurate computer reconstruction of the canine. Therefore with the aid of a CT scanner the tomography images obtained were processed with a special software (Mimics). Two dental restorative materials, commonly used in practice were chosen for the analysis and the results acquired are compared. Also the contact pressure at the interface bone-deciduous canine and deciduous canine-dental material is evaluated in both cases.