Resumen:
To compare the mechanical responses of a mandibular molar under functional loads using antagonist teeth and different loading applications and configurations.
A cone-beam computed tomography of a human mandible and maxilla was used to build 16 different three-dimensional models, including four mandibular configurations [single-tooth model (first mandibular molar-M), and inclusion of mesial (mM), distal (Md) or both proximal contacts (mMd)] and occlusal load applications either with antagonist teeth or alternative Finite Element (FE) models [point load (PL), distributed surface load (SL) and rigid metal sphere (MS)]. FE analysis was performed. Equivalent von Mises (VM) stress was calculated along the entire dentin and periodontal ligament of the first mandibular molar. Maximum VM stresses were compared among the different mandibular configurations and loading applications.
The highest and lowest VM stress at 50 and 100 N corresponded respectively to the single-tooth SL model (5.78 and 11.5 MPa) and to occlusal load application with antagonist teeth and proximal contacts (2.08 and 3.58 MPa). Maximum VM stresses were consistently located at the cervical area of the mesial root and decreased when adjacent teeth were present.
Highest stresses are located in the cervical area of the mesial root of mandibular molars, but the biomechanical behavior depends on the presence of proximal contacts and the loading methodologies used. Single-tooth models represent the worst structural scenario.
Incorporating antagonist teeth and proximal contacts into FE models enhances the biofidelity of dental biomechanics simulations, enabling more accurate extrapolation to clinical conditions.
Resumen divulgativo:
Este estudio compara las respuestas mecánicas del primer molar mandibular bajo cargas funcionales utilizando dientes antagonistas y diferentes configuraciones de carga. Los resultados muestran que las tensiones máximas se localizan en la zona cervical de la raíz mesial, y que la inclusión de contactos proximales mejora la biofidelidad de la simulación biomecánica.
Palabras Clave: Biomechanics · Dental tissue · Finite element analysis · Functional load · Stress distribution
Índice de impacto JCR y cuartil WoS: 3,100 - Q1 (2023)
Referencia DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-025-06290-9
Publicado en papel: Abril 2025.
Publicado on-line: Marzo 2025.
Cita:
S. Dorado, J.R. Jiménez-Octavio, P. Riaza, O.A. Peters, A. Arias, Structural response of mandibular first molars in the presence of proximal contacts: finite element analysis with antagonist teeth and alternative loading applications. Clinical Oral Investigations. Vol. 29, nº. 4, pp. 214-1 - 214-12, Abril 2025. [Online: Marzo 2025]
