Finite element analysis of thermal stress distribution in different restorative materials used in class V cavities

Abstract

Purpose: Cervical lesions are restored with class V preparation. The aim of this study was to use a three-dimensional finite element method to carry out a thermal analysis of the temperature and stress distributions of three different restorative materials used for class V cavities of maxillary molar teeth.
Materials and Methods: A maxillary left first molar tooth was modeled and a class V cavity was  prepared on the cervical 1/3 of the buccal surface. This cavity was restored with three different materials (Group I: Resin composite, Group II: Glass ionomer cement, and Group III: Amalgam). Loads of 400 N were applied at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth on the restorative material at 5 and 55°C temperatures. Von Mises and thermal stress distributions were evaluated.
Results: In all groups, the von Mises stress values increased with temperature. The highest von Mises stress distribution was observed at 55°C in Group II (144.53 MPa). The lowest von Mises stress distribution was observed at 5°C in Group III (70.81 MPa).
Conclusion: Amalgam is the most suitable restorative material for class V restorations because of minimal stress distribution.

Key words: Amalgam, finite element method, glass ionomer cement, resin composite, thermal stress