Comparative study about generation methods of geometric models by finite element analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different methods for generating geometric models on stress values and distributions of endodontically treated teeth using a three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D-FEA). An endodontically treated human maxillary canine restored with glass fiber post and ceramic-fused-to-metal crown was scanned by microcomputed tomography and three-dimensionally reconstructed. Based on the microcomputed tomography images, 2 geometric models were generated and divided into the following groups: Group GCAD - only the root dentine was reconstructed based on a microcomputed tomography image while the remaining structures were generated by GCAD software simulation, and Group GTC - the whole assembly was obtained from scanning and rehabilitated by microcomputed tomography. Loading of 180N at 45° of the tooth long axis was applied on the lingual surface of the incisal third and the models were supported by a periodontal ligament fixed into the 3 axes of the Cartesian system (x=y=z=0). von Mises stress (VMS) were calculated. Differences in stress value and distribution between the generation methods of the geometric models were found. The lowest ratio difference in GTC/GCAD was for resin cement and core. Thus, the method for generation of the geometric model in finite element analysis was found to influence the research results, suggesting difference between the methods proposed.