Computer modeling and numerical analysis of the stress state after the restoration of a tooth cavity

The earliest and the most common form of the dental system destruction are the defects in the teeth of different origin. The partial destruction even of a single tooth or mistakes in its reconstruction can be the starting point for a number of morphological and functional changes of the human maxillofacial unit. Timely restoration of a missing tooth form and functions with a variety of techniques allows preventing all these negative effects. An important issue in the treatment of hard tissue defects is to restore the biomechanical integrity of the tooth. The optimal combination of three structural elements - hard tissues of the tooth, properly restoring design and firm connection between them is the key to a reliable and durable function of the restored tooth. The aim of this paper is the development and testing of a 3D finite element model that displays the structure of a natural tooth. The object of the research is geometrically complex multilayer bio-mechanical system that consists of enamel, dentin and seals. In this study the 3D solid modeling in SolidWorks and finite element structural analysis in ANSYS Workbench were used. The tooth was assumed elastically deformable body under static uniform force loading. The calculations showed that the shape of the seal has a significant impact on the perception of mechanical loading on the tooth chewing surface after the restoration cavity.