Options for Access Cavity Designs of Mandibular Incisors: Mechanical Aspects from Finite Element Study

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 10-3-2023

Abstract

Introduction

This study investigated different access cavity designs of mandibular anteriors in terms of their effect on the biomechanical behavior and longevity using finite element analysis (FEA).

Methods

A 3-dimensional model of a mandibular incisor was created for FEA. After validating the intact tooth model (IT), four experimental models were developed (TLA: Traditional lingual access cavity, FCA: Facial access cavity, ICA: Incisal access cavity, and CVA: Cervical access cavity). Cyclic loading was simulated and number of cycles till failure (NCF) was compared to the IT model. Stress distribution patterns, maximum von Mises (vM) and maximum principal stresses (MPS) were analyzed mathematically. The safety factor was also calculated and demonstrated.

Results

Maximum vM registered on the IT was 134.16 MPa. The FCA and the CVA provided the highest NCF (193.7% compared to the IT), followed by ICA (58.2%) and TLA (21.4%). The vM and MPS analysis revealed that the lingual surface is a primary stress channel, and the presence of an access cavity significantly weakens the tooth structure. While the maximum vM was registered for IT was 134.16 MPa, the maximum vM was 73.97 MPa for both FCA and CVA, 152.27 MPa for ICA, and 173.63 MPa for TLA.

Conclusion

The facial and cervical access cavity designs provided considerable reinforcement to the endodontically treated mandibular incisors. With advancements in esthetic restorative materials and endodontic instruments, facial access design could emerge as the new standard for access cavity preparation in mandibular incisors.

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