Investigating the Mechanical Strength of an Endodontically Treated Human Canine using Image-based Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Endodontic treatment or root canal treatment (RCT) involves the removal of infected pulp of a tooth in order to salvage the remaining natural tooth. This research employs three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) to determine the effect of this treatment on the mechanical strength of the tooth. Computed Tomography (CT) datasets of human canines with and without the treatment are used to analyze stress distribution using advanced image processing suite. An arbitrary load of a 4mm is applied on the surface of the model to create a loading condition relative to the natural chewing force. Boundary conditions are applied and the deformation due to load is measured. In comparison to an untreated tooth, the model with the endodontic treatment showed higher levels of stress and deformation, and therefore, a higher risk of fracture. Conclusion: Current methods in endodontic treatment causes mechanical weakness and reduce tooth stability making it more prone to fractures. Existing methods endodontic treatment needs serious re-considerations. For this purpose, information in this study could be used in further research to study different techniques that may decrease the weakness caused.