Evaluation of stress distributions in endodontically treated anterior incisors under occlusal and trauma-induced forces following various restoration treatments: A finite element analysis

Background

The aim of this study was to calculate the stress distribution of fiberglass post associated with resin composite crown restoration and fiberglass posts with zirconia restorations in mature and immature endodontically treated central maxillary incisor under various loading conditions.

Materials and Methods

The study created six different study models in a virtual environment: healthy mature maxillary central teeth, intact immature maxillary central teeth, mature maxillary central teeth with fiberglass post associated with resin composite crown restoration, immature maxillary central teeth with fiberglass post associated with resin composite crown restoration, mature maxillary central teeth with fiberglass posts and zirconia restoration, and immature maxillary central teeth with fiberglass posts and zirconia restoration. Loading conditions simulating mastication, trauma, and bruxism were applied to each of the models at different angles and amounts. The von Mises and the maximum and minimum principal stress values in tooth structures (dentin) and support structures (bone, PDL) and materials were observed using finite element stress analysis.

Results

The highest stress values in the tissue and the restoration structure were observed for masticating force and crowns rehabilitated with zirconia restorations. None of the compared loading conditions and restorations showed destructive stress values on periodontal ligament or bone.

Conclusion

The mature and immature endodontically treated central maxillary incisors can be better rehabilitated using fiberglass post associated with resin composite crown restoration and may be preferred to zirconia restorations in order to reduce the stresses on the surrounding tissues and teeth. However, further clinical studies are needed to fully explore this topic.