The influence of cervical cavity shape on the restoration material retention: A finite element method study

Abstract

Present study examines, by means of finite element method, the influence of cervical cavity shape on tensions distribution caused by occlusal overload of the teeth with abfraction lesion. Same force values are applied to four 3-D lower premolar finite element models, representing four different cavity shapes. An extracted lower premolar which presented an abfraction lesion has been used. The restoration was achieved by using ER adhesive systems and Giomers. The premolar was scanned and the resulting sections were processed and converted into a 3D digital format. Thus, a model of finite elements which presented a restored wedge-shaped cavity in the cervical dental area was obtained. Then, by modifying the shape and dimensions, there were created another 3 modified-shape cavities. Forces of different magnitudes (45- 150N), exerted at a 45 degree angle on buccal cusp, have been applied. A wedge-shaped cavity with a short occlusal side does not show tension in the cervical region, nor in the distal angle of the restoration up to a force of 100N. So, in order to increase the retention of the abfraction restoration, changing the shape of the cavity could be the treatment of choice. Clinical relevance In order to avoid costly and unethical research, by means of FEM, different shapes of cervical cavities were easily created and conditions that influence retention of abfraction restoration were tested.