Infinite to finite: An overview of finite element analysis

Abstract

The method of finite elements was developed at perfectly right times; growing computer capacities, growing human skills and industry demands for ever faster and cost effective product development providing unlimited possibilities for the researching community. This paper reviews the basic concept, current status, advances, advantages, limitations and applications of finite element method (FEM) in restorative dentistry and endodontics. Finite element method is able to reveal the otherwise inaccessible stress distribution within the tooth-restoration complex and it has proven to be a useful tool in the thinking process for the understanding of tooth biomechanics and the biomimetic approach in restorative dentistry. Further improvement of the non-linear FEM solutions should be encouraged to widen the range of applications in dental and oral health science.

Finite element Analysis in Dentistry – Improving the quality of oral health care

“…Usually such interfaces are modelled as perfectly bonded, where tooth and restoration elements share the same node. Depending on the accuracy of this assumption, this may lead to erroneous interpretation of the results of a finite element analysis (Srirekha & Bashetty, 2010). Sometimes interfacial interactions are more complex, such as areas where two materials may contact but do not bond.…”

Evaluation of Forces Generated on Three Different Rotary File Systems in Apical Third of Root Canal using Finite Element Analysis

“…In Finite Element (FE) analysis, a large structure is divided into a number of small simple shaped elements, for which individual deformation (strain and stress) can be more easily calculated than for the whole undivided large structure. By solving the deformation of all the small elements simultaneously, the deformation of the structure as a whole can be assessed [20]. Hence, FE analysis was used in this study.…”

A finite element study to compare the forces generated by a newly designed NITI file with an established rotary file

“…The high concentration of stresses at the cutting edge of race instrument might cause these mach ining defects to become microcracks. Crack like features at the cutting surfaces have been a frequent observation in clinically used race instruments (26).…”