Carlos José Soares

Finite Element Analysis in Dentistry - Improving the Quality of Oral Health Care

The primary function of the human dentition is preparation and processing of food through a biomechanical process of biting and chewing. This process is based on the transfer of masticatory forces, mediated through the teeth (Versluis & Tantbirojn, 2011). The intraoral environment is a complex biomechanical system. Because of this complexity and limited access, most biomechanical research of the oral environment such as restorative, prosthetic, root canal, orthodontic and implant procedures has been performed in vitro (Assuncao et al., 2009). In the in vitro biomechanical analysis of tooth structures and restorative materials, destructive mechanical tests for determination of fracture resistance and mechanical properties are important means of analyzing tooth behavior. These tests, however, are limited with regard to obtaining information about the internal behavior of the structures studied. Furthermore, biomechanics are not only of interest at the limits of fracture or failure, but biomechanics are also important during normal function, for understanding property-structure relationships, and for tissue response to stress and strain. For a more precise interrogation of oral biomechanical systems, analysis by means of computational techniques is desirable.

Effect of Endodontic Treatment Procedures on Canal Shape and Mechanical Properties of a Tooth

Endodontic treatment procedures induce changes in tooth structure and may shift stress distributions in treated roots that make them more prone to fracture. This chapter discusses mechanical properties and changes in dentin characteristics and shape of the root canal caused by root canal therapy. Moisture, irrigants, medicaments, obturation materials, temperature rise, and canal taper may induce these changes.

Biomechanical Principles of Root Canal-Treated-Teeth Restored with Fiber-Reinforced Resin Posts

Adding a post affects the biomechanical response of root canal-treated teeth. This chapter discusses the biomechanical performance of anterior and posterior root canal-treated teeth restored with fiber-reinforced resin posts and the effects of post systems, post lengths, luting procedures, ferrule design, and coronal restorations. The chapter includes discussion of anatomic glass fiber posts for severely weakened endodontically treated teeth and adhesive endocrown restorations.