Effect of access cavities on the biomechanics of mandibular molars: a finite element analysis

Abstract

Introduction This study aimed to predict the fracture resistance of a mandibular first molar (MFM) with diverse endodontic cavities using finite element analysis (FEA). Methods Five experimental finite element models representing a natural tooth (NT) and 4 endodontically treated MFMs were generated. Treated MFM models were with a traditional endodontic cavity (TEC) and minimally invasive endodontic (MIE) cavities, including guided endodontic cavity (GEC), contracted endodontic cavity (CEC) and truss endodontic cavity (TREC). Three loads were applied, simulating a maximum bite force of 600 N (N) vertically and a normal masticatory force of 225 N vertically and laterally. The distributions of von Mises (VM) stress and maximum VM stress were calculated. Results The maximum VM stresses of the NT model were the lowest under normal masticatory forces. In endodontically treated models, the distribution of VM stress in GEC model was the most similar to NT model. The maximum VM stresses of the GEC and CEC models under different forces were lower than those of TREC and TEC models. Under vertical loads, the maximum VM stresses of the TREC model were the highest, while under the lateral load, the maximum VM stress of the TEC model was the highest. Conclusion The stress distribution of tooth with GEC was most like NT. Compared with TECs, GECs and CECs may better maintain fracture resistance, TRECs, however, may have a limited effect on maintenance of the tooth resistance.

The effect of coronal pre-flaring and root canal irrigant on apex locators’ accuracy: an in-vitro study

“…They claimed that the CECs preserve the mechanical stability of teeth and preserve more of the dentin as discussed by Alovisi et al (2018), Weiqi et al (2013) and Wang et al (2023). [17][18][19] That's why the working length determination without coronal flaring was used in this study as it is a way some researchers recommended and supported by some of them.…”

“…14,15 The results indicated that the pre-flaring procedure provided more accurate measurements in most cases. 16 Some research studies nowadays [17][18][19] recommended the contracted endodontic cavities (CECs) that were developed from the concept of minimally invasive dentistry and provide an alternative to traditional endodontic cavities (TECs). They claimed that the CECs preserve the mechanical stability of teeth and preserve more of the dentin as discussed by Alovisi et al (2018), Weiqi et al (2013) and Wang et al (2023).…”

“…16 Some research studies nowadays [17][18][19] recommended the contracted endodontic cavities (CECs) that were developed from the concept of minimally invasive dentistry and provide an alternative to traditional endodontic cavities (TECs). They claimed that the CECs preserve the mechanical stability of teeth and preserve more of the dentin as discussed by Alovisi et al (2018), Weiqi et al (2013) and Wang et al (2023). [17][18][19] That's why the working length determination without coronal flaring was used in this study as it is a way some researchers recommended and supported by some of them.…”