GOOD MORNING

SEMINA R
ON
BIOMECHA NI CS OF
PIN A ND POST RETA INED RESTORA TION
METHODS OFSTESS A NA LYSI S
CONTENTS
 Introduction
I.BIOMECHANICS OF PIN-RETAINED RESTORATIONS
 Indications
 Contraindications
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Types of pins
 Basic instruments required
 Mechanical aspects
 Anatomical aspects
II.BIOMECHANICS OF POST RETAINED RESTORATIONS
 Indications

 Contraindications
 Types of posts
 Mechanical aspects
 Retention of posts in tooth structure
 Posts and restorative materials
 Anatomical aspects
 Design features for tooth preparations
 Factors in the choice of posts

III. METHODS OF STRESS ANALYSIS

 INTRODUCTION
 Teeth are subjected to many forces during normal use.

 The interactions between the applied forces , the shape and structure
of teeth, the supporting structures, and the mechanical properties of
tooth components and restorative materials all are included in the
subject of BIOMECHANICS.

 The biomechanical behavior of restored teeth can be studied at any

level from gross to microscopic.
 “Biomechanics is the study of the physical behavior of biologic
structures and the interactions between biologic and restorative
systems.”

 Biomechanics is the study of loads (or stresses) and deformations

(or strains) occurring in biologic systems.

- STURDEVANT’S

 It is the application of mechanics to biologic systems.

BIOMECHANICAL UNIT

RESTORATIVE
MATERIAL

TOOTH STRUCTURE

INTERFACE
PRINCIPLES OF BIOMECHANICS
Stress transfer and the resulting deformations of structures are
governed principally by
 The elastic limit of materials
 The ratio of the elastic moduli involved
 The thickness of the structures

 Materials with a high elastic modulus transfer stresses without much

strain.

 Lower modulus materials undergo dangerous strains where stresses

are concentrated, unless there is adequate thickness.
ELASTIC LIMIT:

 Elastic limit of a material is defined as the greatest stress to which a

material can be subjected such that it returns to its original
dimensions when the force is released.

 Elastic limit, proportional limit and yield strength are defined

differently but their values (of stress) are fairly close to each other in
many cases.
-SKINNERS
MODULUS OF ELASTICITY

 It represents the stiffness of a material with in the elastic range.

 Elastic modulus: Stress/strain

 Elastic modulus of Dentin-18.6Gpa and Enamel-84.1 Gpa

 STRESS TRANSFER
 Normal tooth structure transfers external biting loads through enamel into
dentin as compression.

 The concentrated external loads are distributed over a large internal

volume of tooth structure, and local stresses are low

 A restored tooth tends to transfer stress differently than

an intact tooth.

 Any force on the restoration produces compression, tension,

or shear along the tooth-restoration interface.
 When enamel is no longer continuous, its resistance is much lower

 Most restorations are designed to distribute stresses onto sound dentin,

rather than onto enamel

Occlusal loading of amalgam restorations

 BIOMECHANICS OF PIN-RETAINED
RESTORATIONS
DEFINITION:PIN-RETAINED RESTORATIONS:
 “A pin retained restoration is defined as any restoration which
requires the placement of pin or more pins in the dentin in
order to provide sufficient retention and resistance forms to
the restoration.”
-STURDVENT

 Pins are used whenever adequate resistance and retention

forms cannot be established with slots, locks or undercuts .
INDICATIONS

 Restoration of mutilated and badly broken down teeth.

 Pulp chamber is relatively large
 Dentinal tubules are comparatively immature
 Gingival lines are still high

 Transitional restoration in badly broken down teeth prior to

endodontic or orthodontic treatment.

 Foundations for partial or full veneer cast restoration or metalo-

ceramic restorations.

 Questionable prognosis- endodontically or periodontically

 Cross-linkage mode between two bulky, sound parts of the

remaining tooth structure
 Rarely in class IV and V restorations: Occasionally for large class
IV preparation on the distal surface of a canine that involves a
significant amount of distoincisal corner.

 Auxillary or reciprocal retention mode

 Adjunct retentive mode-with a post in a endodontically treated teeth

 Economical restoration
CONTRAINDICATIONS
 When patient has significant occlusal problems

 When aesthetics is concerned

 When direct restoration is not possible because of functional or

anatomical considerations.
ADVANTAGES:
 Conserves the tooth structure

 Resistance and retention form

 Number of appointments
 Economical

DISADVANTAGES
 Dentinal microfracture

 Microleakage
 Decreased strength of amalgam
 Penetration and perforation
 Tooth anatomy
TYPES OF PINS
1.Direct pins/ Non parallel pins
 Cemented pins

 Self-threaded pins-commonly used

 Friction-locked pins

2.Indirect pins/ Parallel pins

 Cast gold pins
 Wrought precious metal pins
 SELF THREADING PINS
 Several styles of self-threaded pins also are available
Thread Mate System(TMS) is the most widely used self-threading pin
because of its
1) Versatility
2) Wide range of pin sizes
3) Color-coding system
4) Greater retentiveness
5) Gold-plated surface finish

A.REGULAR

B.MINIM(0.024 inch(0.61mm)

C. MINIKIN(0.019 inch
0. 48 mm)

D. MINUTA(0.015 inch 0.38mm)

Types of self-threaded pins
 BASIC INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED
CEMENTED PINS FRICTION-LOCKED PINS THREADED PIN

•Threaded stainless steel wires •Threaded stainless steel wire •Pins

•Twist drill •Twist drill •Twist drill

•Machinist’s wire cutter or Dial-A-

Pin cutter •Machinist’s wire cutter or Dial-A- •Wire cutter
Pin cutter
•Locking tweezers or Grooved
hemostats •Locking tweezers or grooved •Contouring pliers
•Contouring pliers hemostats •Carborundum disc
•Carborundum disc •Contouring pliers
•Carborundum disc
•Paper points
•Hand wrench
•Zinc phosphate cement or any •Anterior and posterior pinsetters
other luting cement •Auto clutch slow speed
•Mallet/tapper contraangle hand piece
•Glass slab
•High speed handpiece and bur •High-speed hand piece and bur
•Cement spatula

•Lentulospiral

•Root canal file/

perioexplorer
I.MECHANICAL ASPECTS
 Pins and tooth structure

i. Stressing capabilities of pins

ii. Microcracking and crazing

 Pins and restorative materials

i. Effect of pins on strength of amalgam and composite resins
RETENTION
ii. Retention of pins in dentin

iii. Retention of pins to restorative materials

II. ANATOMICAL ASPECTS

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
I.PINS AND TOOTH STRUCTURES
A. Stressing capabilities of pins:
1.TYPE OF PINS:
Smaller diameter of pin-less amount of stress in dentin
 Cemented pins-least stress
 Friction grip pins-Maximum stress
 Threaded pins-Intermediate stress
i. >Pin diameter and pin channel
ii. Blunt threads
iii. Less distance between threads
of the pin
STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

2.DIAMETER OF PINS:
diameter of a pin induced stress

3.PIN DEPTH AND DENTINALENGAGEMENT

>pin depth stresses-threaded & friction-grip

4.BULK OF DENTIN:
>Bulk of dentin towards
Pulp =Less stress
STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

5.TYPE OF DENTIN: Primary dentin

Sequence of stress concentrations:
 Secondary dentin< Sclerosed dentin<Tertiary dentin< Calcific
barrier

Note: Dentin losses vitality-Stress tolerance drops

Basic principle in pin technique:

 Do not use threaded or friction-grip pins in endodontically
treated teeth or dead tract areas-Cemented pins most
preferred.
STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

6.INTER-PIN DISTANCE:
Closer pins=greater stress concentration
No closer than 4 mm-small threaded
>4mm-large threaded pins or friction-grip pins
<4mm-cemented pins
STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

7. NON-COINCIDING ECCENTRICITY IN PINS OR PIN CHANNEL

CIRCUMFERENCES

 Eccentricity is due to non-centrically running drills causing elliptical

or irregularly shaped pin channels to occur that are not in
conformance with the pin shape.

8.LOOSE PINS

 If within pin channel-pin retained restorations completely mobile.

 Stresses  Degree of pin movement
STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

9. WEDGE,CHISEL OR IRREGULARLY SHAPED DENTINAL ENDS OF PINS

 Pin manufacturing or pin adjustment prior to insertion procedures.

STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

10. RATIO OF DENTINAL ENGAGEMENT: PIN PROTRUSION

 2:1
 Although 1:1 is tolerable, lower ratio will make dentinal portion of
the pin the short side of type 1 lever.
STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

11. NUMBER OF PINS IN ONE TOOTH:

 Generally, the fewest pins needed

that will help retain a restoration should
be the number used.
Factors affecting choice of number of pins:
i. Amount of missing tooth structure
ii. Amount of retention required
iii. Amount of dentin present
iv. Size and type of pin
STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

12.TWIST DRILL VARIABILITY:

 Blunt edged drills-Vibrating drills- Twist drill used with laterally
applied forces.

13. SHORTENING OF PINS INSIDE CAVITY PREPARATION

STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

14. BENDING OR ALIGNING PINS AFTER DENTINAL ENGAGEMENT

15. INSERTING PINS IN STRESS CONCENTRATION AREAS

STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF PINS

16. RETENTIVE FEATURES IN REMAINING PORTION OF THE

CAVITY PREPARATION.

NOTE: PINS SHOULD BE USED ONLY AS AN AUXILLARY MEANS

OF RETENTION.

17. INSERTING PINS IN A STRESS CONCENTRATION AREA

OF THE TOOTH
MICROCRACKING AND CRAZING
 Microcracking or mechanical seperation of enamel components from each
other can start at the surface or at the DEJ.

 The most common crazing, and the least detrimental to the tooth, is
originated at the surface. This type will encounter gnarled enamel,
decreasing the possibility of its propogation.

 Occurs due to TRAUMA and AGE(Enamel hyper mineralization)

 Crazing can generally be attributed to
i. Improper and indiscriminate use of high speed rotary instrumentation
ii. Highly calcifying intermediary basing
iii. Frequent use of pins and posts in restorative dentistry

 Crazing can predispose to

i. Cracked tooth syndrome
ii. Partial or complete fracture of parts of tooth-CAUSED IN PINS
iii. Flaking of enamel veneers with or without tooth instrumentation.
FACTORS AFFECTING OCCURRENCE, TYPE, EXTENT AND NUMBER
OF CRACKS

1.TYPE OF PINS

 According to Moffa,
i. Friction-lock pins create maximum number-crazings even at
1.5mm from DEJ
ii. Cemented pins-No crazings
iii. Threaded pins-intermediate etiologic agents

2.THICKNESS OF ADJACENT ENAMEL:

Thinner enamel>possibility of enamel crazing

3. PROXIMITY OF PINS TO DEJ

i. 0.5-1.0 mm from DEJ- safe location of cemented pins

ii. 1.5-2.0 mmfrom DEJ- safe for threaded pins
iii. Friction-grip pins- No practical safe location
4. INDUCED STRESS IN INVOLVED DENTIN
Any factor that will enhance stress induction in the dentin>possibility of
enamel crazing

5. TYPE OF DENTIN BETWEEN THE PIN AND ADJACENT ENAMEL.

Dehydration or mineralization in dentin-faster crack will travel from pin
site to the enamel
PINS AND RESTORATIVE MATERIALS

1. EFFECT OF PINS ON THE STRENGTH OF AMALGAM AND COMPOSITE

RESINS.
 Pins will not increase the compressive strength of the restorative
materal.

 They may help in retaining it mechanically

In fact, there will be a drop in the compressive strength of these
restorations.
a. CAVITY END- Cheisel,wedge-shaped or irregular in shape

Shear line in a pin-retained restoration

resulting from wedge, chisel or irregular
shape cavity end of pin
b)PINS CLOSER THAN 2 MM TO EACH OTHER - Due to increased
incidence of voids and decreased bulk of material. Pins will actually
segment the restoration.
C) Pins protrude through or approximate the surface of the restoration- leads to
segmentation and separation of the restorative material- finally
,complete negation of the retentive property of the pin.

d) Less than 1.5-2.0 mm exists between the pin surface and the
restoration surface.
e) Non-adaptability of the restorative material to the pin-due to
improper wettability or voids.
This will lead to movement of the restorative material independent of
the pin, a situation which will induce unnecessary, intolerable
stresses within the restorative material.
For this reason,
 The failure rate of composite resin restorations retained by pins is
higher than the amalgam restoration retained in the same way.
 Amalgam offers less voids and more adaptability around pins than
composite resins do.
TENSILE STRENGTH:
The same pin factors that affect the compressive strength of amalgam
and composite resins also affect their tensile strength.

In addition,
 Pins are placed at right angles to direction of the tensile stresses-30-
40% reduction in tensile strength.
 Pins are placed at 45◦ to direction of induced stresses -10%
reduction.
 Pins placed parallel to the direction of tensile stresses-No reduction.

 These three factors dictate the necessity to avoid the insertion of a

gingival pin in isthmus portion of a cavity preparation, especially in
cavities with shallow gingival floors.
 RETENTION
 Retention of pins in dentin
 Retention of pins to restorative materials
RETENTION OF PINS IN DENTIN
1.Type of Pins:
Provided pins are of equal diameter and depth of dentinal engagement,
Self-threading pins-5-6 times more retention
Friction-grip pins-2-3 times retention
CEMENTED PINS

Cemented pins-serrated or threaded pins more retention than smooth

surface pins.
2.Depth of pin engagement in dentin:

According to Moffa,
a)Cemented pins- Linear relationship without plateau
Failure at cement-dentin interface

b)Friction-grip pins-shows no increase in the resistance to failure after 2mm of

dentinal engagement.
Failure at pin-dentin interface

c)Small threaded pins-no increase in the resistance to failure after 2mm of dentinal
engagement
Failure within pins themselves

d)Large threaded pins-plateau formed after 1.5-2.0 mm of dentinal engagement.

Failure occurs in dentin.
3.Numer of pins:
 Pin proximity and location relative to displacing forces affects the
retention
 Pins closer than 2 mm to each other in one teeth will result in a
loose pin retention in dentin.
4.Type of cement:
 In case of cemented pins,

• Copper phosphate cement- Most retaining

• Zinc phosphate
• Polycarboxylate
• ZOE
5.Type of involved dentin:
 Primary dentin>Tubular secondary dentin

 Hypermineralization and dehydration<retention

7.Surface roughness of the pins

Surface serrations or threading>retention

8. Ratio dentinal engagement of pins: protruding lengths-

2:1
9.Bulk of dentin around the pin:
>cross-section of dentin separating the pins from pulp, tooth and root
surface>retention

10.Mode of shortening of pins after insertion:

RETENTION OF PINS TO RESTORATIVE
MATERIAL
1.Type of pins-
 Friction grip pins-least retentive

 Cemented pins and threaded pins-4 times retentive than friction grip
pins (gnarled and threaded roughness of their surfaces)
2.Pin length in restorative material
 Friction grip pins- Retention  length of pin in restorative material-
without any plateau.-failure at pin-restorative interphase

 Cemented and small threaded pins- Retention  length of pin in

material upto the length of 2mm-plateau is reached

 Large threaded pins-pin length of 1.5mm-failure in restorative

material
3.Pin diameter
Gradual increase in pin retention-with increasing pin diameter upto
0.035

4.Inter pin distance

Bringing pins closer to each other increases retention upto 2mm
>2mm-reduction in retention
5.Proximity of the restorative material to the pin surface

 The proximity of the restorative material to the pin is the most

influential factor in pin retention
6.Surface material of the pins

If surface layer of the pin can chemically combine with the restorative
material or one of its phases(mercury) and still be sufficient
thickness to leave a considerable part of it still adhering (cohering)
to the pin bulk- An ideal retention mode will exist at this interphase
ANATOMICAL ASPECTS OF PIN-RETAINED
RESTORATION
 One should confine the tooth retained part of the pin to dentin only.

A. Knowledge of anatomy-
 Full comprehension of the tooth anatomy, its invested and investing
tissues-particularly in a spatial three dimensional pattern-basic to
drilling pin channels

B. Radiographs-
 To get basic idea about dimensions of dentin in a given plane.
C.Outer surface of the tooth-

 Outer surface of the tooth next to the contemplated location of pin in

the dentin-ideal guiding landmark

 Good habit-Apply drill on the adjacent surface-move it to the

drilling location-results in- pin channel parallel to adjacent surface
D. Amount of dentin-
 Obliteration of the pulp chamber or root canal spaces-Increases
dimension of dentin
 On the other hand, previous pathology or instrumentation-Decreases
the dimension of dentin

E. Anatomical features-
 Abnormal anatomy on tooth
surfaces(grooves or concavities)
-Increase the possibility of
surface perforation
F.Tooth alignment-

 Malalignment of teeth - rotation or inclination etc.-Necessitates

individual evaluation of the tooth angulation of pin channel

Most difficult teeth to insert pin is inclined tooth-which has completely

lost its crown.

A surface perforation
occurs toward the
inclination or a
pulp chamber –
away from the
direction of the
inclination
G. Cavity extent-
 Apical located gingival floor-

higher possibility of surface and

pulp-root canal perforation

H. Age or relative age

 Aging decreases size of pulp chamber and root canal system and
increases dentin dimension
E.g.,first molars are always older and have bulkier dentin than third
molars
SITE OF PLACEMENT OF PINS
FAILURES OF PIN-RETAINED RESTORATIONS
Failure might occur at any five different locations

a) Within the restoration(Restoration-fracture)

b) Interface between pin and restorative material
(Pin-restoration separation)
c) Within the pin (Pin fracture)
d) Interface between pin &
dentin
(Pin-dentin separation)
e) Within the dentin
(Dentin fracture)
 TWIST DRILLS

 Twist drill

•Pin holes are prepared using twist drills.

•Commonly used drill for pinhole
preparation is kodex drill
TOOTH PREPARATION FOR AMALGAM FOUNDATION

PIN RETENTION:
 Severely broken-down teeth with few or vertical walls, in which an indirect
restoration is indicated, may require pin-retained foundation.

 MAIN DIFFERENCE between the use of pins for foundations and the use
of pins in definitive restorations is the distance of the pinholes from the
external surface of the tooth.
Foundations-
 Pinholes must be located farther from the external surface of the tooth
( farther internally from the DEJ)
 More bending of the pins may be necessary to allow for adequate axial
reduction of the foundation without exposing the pins during the cast metal
tooth preparation.

 Any removal of the restorative material from the circumference of the pin
would compromise its retention

 If material is removed from more than half the diameter of the pin,any
retentive effect of the pin probably has been eliminated.
The location of pin hole from the external surface of the tooth for foundations depends
on-
 The occlusogingival location of the pin (external morphology of the tooth)

 The type of restoration to be placed

(a porcelain-fused-to-metal or all-ceramic preparation requires more reduction than a
full gold crown)

 Type of margin to be prepared

For pin amalgam foundation, cavosurface angles can range from 45°-135° as they are not
subjected to direct occlusal forces.
PIN-RETAINED COMPOSITE RESIN CORES FOR POSTERIOR
TEETH

 Two techniques for the fabrication of pin-retained composite resin cores for
posterior teeth have been described.

 The advantage of using a composite resin in place of amalgam as a core material

is that the restoration can be completed in a single appointment rather than the
two appointments required when amalgam is used.

 A disadvantage of the use of the composite resins as core material is the difficulty
in identifying the demarcation line between the resin and tooth structure. This lack
of definition presents the possibility of placing the finish line of the final
preparation on the resin rather than on sound tooth structure.


 Application of a Dycal demarcation bead or use of the ultraviolet light-activated

resin offers a solution to this problem
-
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
Volume 31, Issue 5, May 1974, Pages 566-569
POST RETAINED RESTORATIONS
CONTENTS
POST-RETAINED RESTORATIONS
Introduction
Indications
Contraindications
Types of post
Root canal post sizes
Mechanical aspects
Stressing capabilities of posts
Retention of posts
Posts and restorative materials
Anatomical aspects
Design features
Technique for inserting posts
 INTRODUCTION
Post is defined as the segment of the restoration inserted into the root canal to
aid in the retention of the core component
 It is a rigid material placed in the root of a tooth

 It can be fabricated from metals or non-metallic substances

 Post is important in the restoration of non-vital teeth that have significant

coronal damage and have insufficient sound tooth structure remaining
above the periodontal attachment to secure a coronal restoration.
INDICATIONS
A. Foundations for reinforcing cast restorations
i. Prevents further intracanalicular instrumentation
ii. Obliterates undercuts
iii. Minimizes the amount of cast alloy
iv. Improves retention of future cast restoration

B. Posts are used for provisional restoration

C. As a cross-linking mechanism between intact crown and tooth

D. Should be last resort for retention form

Most prominent indication-where the pulp chamber walls are lost, deficient
or what is left of them are not reciprocally opposing each other.
A.ANTERIOR TEETH:
 Significant destruction of tooth structure-loss of marginal ridges, cingulum,incisal
edges
 In endodontically treated tooth: Anterior teeth must resist lateral and shearing type of
forces and the pulp chambers are too small to provide adequate retention and
resistance without a post.
 Amount of remaining coronal structure and functional requirement
B.MOLARS:
 Significant destruction of coronal tooth structure
C.PREMOLARS:
 Significant destruction of coronal tooth structure
 Moderately damaged tooth structure with presence of pulp chamber
 High functional demands-teeth are subjected to lateral forces –require post more often
than molars
CONTRAINDICATIONS
A. Anterior teeth:
 Mild to moderate coronal damage

 Intact teeth
 Sufficient remaining tooth structure after crown preparation
B. Molars
 Mild to moderate coronal damage

C. Premolars
 Sufficient remaining coronal tooth structure

 Tooth has short clinical crown and functions similar to molars(not

much lateral forces)
 Tooth is not an abutment for FPD/RPD and has sufficient coronal
structure.
 TYPES OF POST
I.METALLIC POSTS:
1.CUSTOM CAST POSTS- Type III cast gold alloys,
Type IV cast gold alloys,
Base metals, Titanium alloys
2.PREFABRICATED POSTS
A. Passive
i. Parallel-sided EX: Whaledent posts, Boston post & Parkell-parallel post
ii. Taper type EX:Kerr Endopost-LEAST RETENTIVE POST DESIGN
iii. Parallel-tapered type-Schanker’s Design EX:Degusa,Unitek BCH system

B. Active-Engage dentin directly

iv. Posts with self-threading screws
v. Self-threading parallel threaded post
vi. Parallel threaded posts with pre-tapped channels

II.NON-METALLIC POSTS:
i.Carbon-fiber posts
ii.Tooth colored posts or Aesthetic posts
a. Fiber reinforced posts-Glass,Quartz,Woven polyethylene fiber
b. Ceramic and zirconia posts
iii. Light transmitting post
iv.Integra post system
V. All-ceramic posts
Vi .Dentin posts
 ROOT CANAL POST SIZES
 Most types of root canal posts are furnished in at least three to six sizes,
usually approximating the numbers 60 to 120 reamers or files.

Before insertion, posts usually have to be adjusted, especially lengthwise,

according to the
 Needs of the restoration,
 Specific root canal and
 Prepared post channel.
 The portion of the post which does not
engage the root canal might have a variety
of configurations which serve as a handle
during insertion of the post into the canal.

 This is most important retentive feature

facilitating adaptation to surrounding
restorative material.
 Sometimes, posts in two adjacent canals may be continuous.

 This is called a STAPLE POST.

BIOMECHANICS OF POST RETAINED RESTORATIONS
MECHANICAL ASPECTS
 STRESSING CAPABILITIES OF POSTS

1. TYPE OF POSTS:

PARALLEL SIDED POSTS

 Forces applied parallel (a) to post axis
-Evenly distribute forces
 Right angle(b) or oblique (c)to post axis
-unevenly distribute stresses

TAPER-SIDED POSTS AND COMBINATION :

 Apical loading (a)-concentrate stresses
 Lateral loading-induce evenly distributed stresses
2.METHOD OF INSERTING ROOT CANAL POSTS

 Highly threaded posts-induce 10 times amount and extent of stresses

as smooth-sided posts.
 Serrated surface posts-induce 1 ½ to 2 times stresses than smooth-
surfaced posts
3.BULK OF DENTIN IN ROOT CANAL WALLS
 Minimum of 2 mm of dentinal root canal wall should surround a
post

 Ideally,
Bulkier that the dentin surrounding a root canal post
During post insertion
Functional use Post-retained
Less will be the induced stresses per unit volume
retoration
4.LENGTH OF CLINICAL ROOT INVOLVED WITH THE ROOT CANAL POST
V.FERRULE OR EMBRACING FEATURES OF THE RESTORATION :

Ferrule definition:
 Circumferential embracing the tooth at its
most apical part of the clinical crown.

 Major protecting feature

 The ferrule feature of the restoration should involve

at least 2mm of crown length to counteract stresses
induced by the post

 Closer this embracing feature is to the junction between the clinical crown and the
root- more effective
6. LATERAL LOCKING MECHANISMS FOR THE POST AND RESTORATION:

 Most premade posts-rounded in cross-section-great

tendency for the post and the restoration retained by
the post to rotate under torsional forces

 The presence of a method to lock the post and

the restoration against such rotation-reduces
the effect of torsional forces
(e.g., a lateral pin, internal boxes, opposing walls, etc)
7.PRESENCE OF PULP CHAMBER WITH PRONOUNCED WALLS
 Walls of pulp chamber-opposing each other-increase the frictional retention
of the foundation or restoration

 Minimizes the retention demands on the post

 Minimizes stresses in root canal walls

8. PRESENCE OF INTACT MARGINAL OR CROSSING RIDGE :

 Ridges act as binder between the buccal and lingual cuspal elements—results in better
distribution and resistance of induced stresses
9. PROXIMITY OF THE POST TO THE ROOT CANAL FILLING:

 Root canal fillings-should not be involved in mechanical problems of posts

 There should be a space between the apical end of the post and occlusal end
of the root canal filling

 Post approximates-filling(mechanically weak)-lead to profound straining-

move post in undesirable direction-induces unnecessary stresses in tooth
structure
10. PRESENCE OF FLAT PLANES IN THE REMAINING TOOTH STRUCTURES,

 At a right angle to occluding forces

 Flat planes (tables, gingival floors and ledges)

 Receive and resist occluding forces before arriving to the post-major feature used to reduce
stresses in remaining tooth structure

 Protects the post and very weak subpulpal floor-from direct loading
11. PRESENCE OF LATERAL WALLS IN THE REMAINING TOOTH STRUCTURE

 Extra or intracoronal axial walls-receive and resist laterally applied forces on the restoration
before they arrive at the post—reduces the stresses in the root canal walls

12. THE ROOT-POST PORTION RELATIVE TO THE CROWN POST PORTION:

 Ideal-root portion 2: crown portion 1
 >1:1-concentrate stresses on lateral walls of the root canal adjacent to the apical end
of the post
13. HYDRAULIC PRESSURE DURING POST CEMENTATION:

If there are no lateral vents in the post or if post diameter is very close to that of the post-channel
diameter

Semi-liquid cement mix-during cementation of the post

Exert tremendous amounts of hydraulic pressure that exceed elastic limit of the dentin

Complete seating of the post

14. SURFACE TEXTURE AND SHAPE OF THE ROOT END OF THE POST:

 Greater post surface roughness

Increases the possibilities of stress
 Presence of chisel, wedge or irregular
concentration on root canal walls
configuration on the root end of the post

 Concentration of stresses  proximity of the post to root canal anatomy

15.LENGTH OF THE POST RELATIVE TO THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE ROOT:

 Generally, more the root canal length is involved with a post-more evenly distributed stresses and
better resistance in root canal walls.
As a rule:
 One-half to two-thirds of the root canal should encapsulate the post if the forces transmitted by
the post are to be adequately dissipated.
16. SHAPE OF THE POST IN CROSS-SECTION RELATIVE TO THE SHAPE OF THE POST
CHANNEL:

 Post circumference should coincide with post channel

 Differences
e.g., Rounded post in an oval post channel-concentrate stresses at isolated
locations in the root canal wall-exceeding local breaking point of the dentin
17. LOOSE POST IN THE POST CHANNEL:
 Unconfined movements of the post-↑stresses in root canal walls.
18.POST ENDING APICALLY AT THE JUNCTION OF THE CLINICAL ROOT WITH THE CLINICAL
CROWN:
 Specific location-Area of appreciable stress concentration in normal, sound teeth
 Root canal treated tooth-strength decreases

 During restoring-apical end of root canal post is placed at this junction(clinical crown
longer than anatomical crown)
Three problems at these locations-
1. Less strength than normal
2. Above normal stress concentration resulting from reduced crown, root ratio
3. Maximum stresses from apical end of the post
19. CENTRAL SLITTING OF POSTS:
 Length-wise slitting of the post involving one-half or more of its length-make post elastically
collapsible in a lateral direction

Threaded type:
 During threading into the root excessive stresses are induced at post-dentin interface-instead of
these stresses being consumed in detrimental deformation of dentin, they may be consumed, in
part, to partially close the central slit.

 The rigidity of the two parts of the post at this area will keep post engaged in dentin for retention
and their elasticity will reduce the stress concentration in that dentin
20. THREAD NUMBERS AND PATTERNS
 Continuous threads from one end of a post to another create > stresses than interupted threading.

 Spacing is between threads>stresses

 Sharper threads-less stresses

 Wider and more frequent interruptions-less will be the stress

 Interruptions (cross-cuts) serve to facilitate escape of debris during post insertion

 More extended threads laterally more surface interfacial contact with dentin < stresses
RETENTION OF POSTS IN TOOTH STRUCTURE
1.MODE OF INERTION AND SURFACE CONFIGURATION OF POSTS:

 Threaded posts-6 to 8 times more retentive-Smooth surfaced posts

 Serrated posts-3 to 4 times more retentive-Smooth surface posts

 Surface configuration most important in retention

2.DEPTH OF ROOT CANAL INVOLVEMENT:

THREADED POSTS :
 Continuous threading- Retention-5-8 mm
 Clinical success- 2-3mm engagement supplies adequate retaining power

NON-CONTINUOUS & CIRCUMFERENTIALLY INTERRUPTED THREADED

POSTS:
 2-3 mm canal engagement

SERRATED, CEMENTED POSTS:

 Maximum retention-12-15mm but 10-12 mm engagement supplies the
needed retention for regular use.

SMOOTH CEMENTED POSTS:

 Retention  root canal engagement
3.TYPE OF APPLIED FORCES

 Torsional forces-Most disengaging type for a post within a root canal

 6-8 times more tensile forces than torsional is required to disengage a post
from a canal
 Hence, rounded post-accompanied by-antirotational device
 E.g. lateral pins, roughed root face etc.
4.TYPE OF POSTS:
 Parallel sided posts 2-3 times more retentive than tapered ones
 Retention of combination posts1-2 times> than tapered ones
5.POST DIAMETER:
 Greater diameter= More retention

NOTE-
No increase in retention after 0.075” post diameter
Yet, drastic increase in retention-between 0.060-0.065” post diameter
6.PROXIMITY OF THE POSTS TO THE ROOT CANAL WALLS
 Greater proximity-post is to dentin-more frictional retention components

 Posts should be snugly fit within their post channels-to attain maximum retention

7.DEGREE OF TAPER OF THE POSTS:

 Greater taper-Less retention

8.TYPE OF CEMENTING AGENTS:
 Zinc phosphate
 Resin
 Glass-ionomer
 Resin-modified glass ionomer cements

9. THE RATIO BETWEEN THE CROWN AND ROOT PORTION OF THE POST

 Smaller ratio < retention

10.DISCREPANCY BETWEEN POST SHAPE AND ROOT CANAL SHAPE
 ↓ retention

11.NATURE OF CIRCUMFERENTIAL THREADS

 Continuous threads-More retention

 Increased threads
-Retention ↑(certain limit)
-Retention ↓- Non-self resistant bulk of inter-thread den tin
12.RECIPROCATION:
 A Post solely cannot retain a restoration (foundation)

 Used along with opposing retention item to function effectively

(e.g.another post, pin, lateral walls, axial surfaces, etc.)

 Power of reciprocation very well exhibited by staple posts in two adjacent canals-
increases retention of the post to the root under torsional forces .
RETENTION TRAID

Summit,Third edition
POST LENGTH:
 Canal space not to be overenlarged iatrogenically or by caries
 Anterior teeth: Commonly considered length-7.0 mm to 8.0 mm,
plus 4.0 mm of gutta percha(undisturbed at apex)
TAPER: Tapered(less removal tooth structure) or
Parallel-more retentive
POST STYLE:
Active post-short clinical roots or because of obstructions in root canal-
Effectively engage the dentin in terminal 2 to 3 mm to gain retention.

CEMENT- Luting agent

RESISTANCE TRAID
 CROWN BEVEL-Bevel is that part of the crown margin that extends past
the post-and-core margin onto the natural tooth structure.
 It must encircle the tooth and ideally extend at least 2.0mm onto tooth
structure below post-core margin
VERTICAL REMAINING TOOTH STRUCTURE:
 Leaving as much natural vertical remaining tooth structure as possible will
significantly increase the resistance of the final restoration
3.ANTIROATATION:

 Elongated or oblong canal orifice-provide

antirotational effect for the post and core
.
 Canal becomes more round-need for
incorporation of antirotation features
becomes more important.

 Especially for anterior teeth

Ex: Auxillary pins and keyways, prepared
in the face of the root before construction
of the post-common antirotational devices.
POSTS AND RESTORATIVE MATERIALS
 Posts affect the restorative materials strength and retention as that of pin-retained
restorations

 DIAMETER OF POSTS>PINS-Increases the retention of the restorative material

 CORONAL CONFIGURATIONS-different patterns-

More complicated and locking this pattern is-more retentive
 ANATOMICAL
ASPECTS
 Inserting a post in a root canal is supposed to be the last intracanalicular
instrumentation from the pulp chamber side

 Posts and post channels should be confined to the root canal space without
encroaching or perforating to the root surface

NOTE: At least 2mm thickness of dentin circumferentially around the post

after insertion
A.KNOWLEDGE OF THE ANATOMY OF THE ROOT AND ROOT CANAL
SYSTEM
 Basic condition
 Knowledge of possible concavities or surface fluting or grooving of the
involved root - ↓ dentin bulk encompassing the post

B.RADIOGRAPHS:
 Post endodontic radiographs-root canal size, taper, and its relation to size
and taper of root.
 Root curvatures in mesio distal direction
 Thickness of subpulpal floor

NOTE: Radiograph with post in root canal-Best verification for these

correlations
C.ENDODONTIC PROCEDURES:
 A good starting point for the type and size of the post is the size of
the last reamer or file used in root canal debridement

D.INCLINATIONS:
 To avoid root canal perforation or gouging of the canal walls

 Necessary to change the location and angulation of access and

instrumentation into the root canals
E.ANATOMICAL ANOMALIES:
 Thoroughly investigated

 Surface grooves
 Concavities
 Dilaceration •Root canal instrumentation
 Curvature •Post choice
 Change of root canal shape midway •Post insertion procedures

apically
 Abrupt taper of the root canals
DESIGN FEATURES FOR TOOTH PREPARATIONS
ACCOMMODATING
POSTS AND POST-RETAINED RESTORATIONS AND
FOUNDATIONS
A. Close to the post
 Antirotational devices- Pin,Box,Groove,Pronounced pulp chamber etc.

B. Gingival floors-prepared pronounced and bulky-with a step occlusally which arrives

to the gingival margin

C. Surrounded by as many flat planes at right angles to the occluding forces-reduces

stresses on the post and its encompassing dentin
 Tables, Gingival floors, Ledges in the pulp-chamber walls
D. Avoid any loading on the subpulpal floor
 Ledges(shelves) should be placed at any bulky part of the pulp chamber walls if
undermining tooth structures there can be avoided

E.As many of the pulp chamber walls as possible should be left intact to help the post in
its retention.
 Pulp chamber should be evacuated from any root canal cements or filling to
accommodate the maximum bulk of amalgam or other non-cast restorative materials

F. Crown portion of root canal post should be surrounded with at least a 2mm space in
both lateral and occlusal directions to accommodate a restorative material
G. The gingival margin of the amalgam foundation should be located at a level
such that there is a minimum of 2 mm of tooth surface apical to them for
reinforcing cast restoration to grip on the tooth

H. Post channel should be drilled to minimum depth necessary to satisfy

retentive feature
TECHNIQUES FOR INSERTING POSTS
A.Instruments which remove the root canal filling, mostly gutta percha
B. Instruments which grossly shape the root canals to the specific dimensions
and shape of the posts

C. Instruments which refine the established post channel

D. Measuring devices-probes or depth gauge

E. Threading devices for the threaded post technique

F. Instruments to adjust the post shape and dimensions

G. Cement carrying or applying instruments

H. Instruments to remove excess cement

CAUSES OF FRACTURE IN RESTORED
ENDODONTICALLY TREATED TEETH
PRIMARY CAUSES OF FRACTURE
 Tooth structural loss
 Loss of free unbound water from the root canal lumen
and dentinal tubules
 Age induced changes in the dentine
 Restorations and restorative procedures
SECONDARY CAUSES OF FRACTURE
 Effects of endodontic irrigants and medicaments on
dentine
 Effects of bacterial interaction with dentine substrate
 Biocorrosion of metallic post-core
FRACTURE PREDISPOSING FACTORS IN POST–CORE
RESTORATION

CROWN
• Loading angle CORE
• Ferrule
• Material

REMAINING POST
•Shape of the post
TOOTH STRUCTURE • Adhesion of post to dentine
• Dentine tissue • Diameter of the post
• Unbound and bound water • Elastic modulus of the post

Anil kishan ,Endodontic Topics 2006, 13, 57–83

STRESS ANALYSIS
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
STRESS ANALYSIS
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
STRESS ANALYSIS OF DENTAL RESTORATIONS
HISTORICAL PRESPECTIVE
CLASSIFICATION
I. LOADING TEST
II. STRAINGAGE
III. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

STRESS ANALYSIS IRT POSTS

CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 STRENGTH

 It is defined as the stress that is necessary to cause fracture or a specified

amount of plastic deformation.

 Strength is not a measure of stress required to fracture a material

 Strength is not a measure of individual atom-to-atom attraction or repulsion,

but rather it is a measure of interatomic forces collectively over the entire
wire,cylinder,implant,crown,pin or whatever structure is stressed.
Strength of a material can be described by one or more of the following properties:
 PROPORTIONAL LIMIT: Stress above which stress is no longer
proportional to strain

 ELASTIC LIMIT : Maximum stress a material can withstand before it

becomes plastically deformed.

 YIELD STRENGTH

 ULTIMATE TENSILE ,SHEAR,COMPRESSIVE & FLEXURAL STRENGTH:

Measure of stress required to fracture a material.
 STRESS

It is the force per unit area acting on millions of atoms or molecules in a given
plane of a material.
 Stress must be defined according to its type and magnitude.

By means of their directions of force application, three types of stresses can be

classified.
 TENSILE
 COMPRESSIVE
 SHEAR
TENSILE STRESS:
 A tensile stress is caused by a load that tends to stretch or elongate a body

 A tensile stress is always accompanied by tensile strain.

COMPRESSIVE STRESS

 If a body is placed under a load that tends to compress or shorten it, the internal
resistance to such a load is called a compressive stress.

 Compressive stress is associated with a compressive strain.

 Calculation of compressive stress=Applied force / Crosssectional

area perpendicular to the force direction.
SHEAR STRESS

 A shear stress tends to resist the sliding of one portion of a body over another.

 Shear stress can also be produced by a twisting or torsional action on a material.

FLEXURAL STRESS:
 Flexural stress are bending stresses produced by a complex of compressive and
tensile stresses acting on a body.

It is produced by bending forces in dental appliances in one of two ways:

 By subjecting a structure such as a fixed partial denture to three-point loading,where

by the end points are fixed and a force is applied between these end points.

 By subjecting a cantilevered structure that is supported at only one end to a load

along any part of the unsupported section.
 STRESS ANALYSIS

“Stress analysis is an engineering discipline that determines the stress in

materials and structures subjected to static or dynamic forces or loads.”
 AIMS & OBJECTIVES
 To determine whether the structure can safely withstand the specified
forces.

 Achieved when the determined stress from the applied force(s) is less than
the ultimate tensile strength, compressive strength or fatigue strength the
material is known to be able to withstand.
 What is stress???

BODY

 When a force acts on a body to produce deformation, a resistance develops

to this external force, which is called STRESS

DEFORMED BODY
STRESS is the force per unit area acting on millions of atoms or molecules in
a given plane of material.

STRESS = Force / Area

Expressed in units of Load/Area

(Pounds/in² =PSI or N/mm²=Mpa)

(Ref:Dental Materials-Anusavice)
Engineering stress or nominal stress is defined as the ratio of the applied load
to the original cross section

Engineering stress=P(applied load)

STRESS ANALYSIS OF DENTAL RESTORATIONS

 Mechanical properties of a material used in dental restoration must be able

to withstand the stresses and strains caused by the repetitive forces of
mastication

 The design of dental restorations is particularly important if the best

advantage of a material is to be taken.

 It is necessary to use designs that do not result in stresses or strains that

exceed the strength properties of a material under clinical conditions.

-CRAIG’S 12th edition

Generally, stresses in dental structures have been studied by techniques such
as

 Brittle coatings analysis

 Strain gages
 Holography
 Two- and three- dimensional photoelasticity
 Finite Element Analysis

-CRAIG’S 12th edition

 HISTORICAL PRESPECTIVE

 The main methods for determining stress values and distributions has been
by means of indirect experimental techniques

 Hoppenstand and McConnell used a model simulation to study the

mechanical failure of class I type amalgam restorations

 Mahler et al used a similar technique to investigate design aspects of class

II restorations

 Traditional methods of experimental stress analysis, include transmission

and reflection,2-D & 3-D photoelasticity, brittle lacquers and electrical
resistance strain gauge techniques
 CLASSIFICATION
Techniques used for stress analysis:

THEORETICAL:
Use mathematical formulation and solution of the resultant equations
 Finite element analysis(FEA)

EXPERIMENTAL:
Involves measurements of various types made directly on the structures of
interest or through the use of modeling of structure
 Strain gage method
 Loading test
 Photo elasticity method
 LOADING TEST
 It is effective in measuring fracture loads and resistance through the
destruction of test specimens and then observation of failure modes from
the fracture fragments

Drawbacks:
 The result can be influenced by the morphological trait and condition of the
extracted tooth, and
 It is difficult to specify the stress concentration location exactly.
 When testing materials, loads should be applied at a uniform rate and
deformation should occur at a uniform rate.

 A typical machine that permits testing of tension,compression or shear is

shown in figure

 In the figure, a rod is clamped between two jaws and the tensile properties
are measured by pulling the specimen
Schematic illustration of loading test
 STRAIN GAGE

 It is possible to accurately measure the magnitude of the strain on the tooth

or abutment surface under loading

DRAWBACK:
 Cannot directly measure the internal strain
Characteristics of Strain Gages Point wise measurements
 Surface measurements
 May be on actual structure, or models
 Useful for transducer fabrication

Electrical strain gages use the principle that certain electrical resistance
elements undergo a change of resistance when they are subjected to strain.

Tension produces - ↑ resistance; Compression causes-↓resistance.

Therefore, if such a strain gage were bonded to the surface of a structure under
load, monitoring the resistance change would yield a knowledge of the
strain at that point
 Strain gages have the advantages of very accurate strain measurement
capacity on an actual structure in either simulated or real function.

Drawbacks of strain gages:

1. Elaborate electrical equipment required to collect and record the strain
data

2. More important-Devices that measure strains at discrete points on the

surface to which they are bonded.

3. No direct internal strain information is obtained.

 PHOTO ELASTIC METHOD
 Photo elastic method, was established by sir David Brewster, a British
physicist and Bazk applied this method in dental research for the first time
in 1935 to investigate stress distributions in teeth and alveolar bones.

 With the photo elastic method, even stress distribution within a complicated
model, such as a maxillofacial oral structure can be analyzed.
 Photo elastic stress analysis is based on the property of some transparent materials
to exhibit colourful patterns when viewed with polarized light .

 These patterns occur as the result of alteration of the polarized light by the internal
stresses into two waves that travel at different velocities.

 This phenomenon of double refraction is known also as BIREFRINGENCE.

 The patterns that develop are consequently related to the distribution of the internal
stresses and are called the photo elastic effect.
 To use this special characteristic, one must fabricate a model of the
structure of interest (e.g., a tooth).

 This model, made from a transparent material capable of exhibiting a

photoelastic response, is subjected to loads representative of functionally
applied forces.

 The stresses that develop in the model as the result

of the applied loads can then be visualized by
examining the model with polarizing filters.
There are several advantages to this experimental stress analysis
technique
1. Stresses can be determined in models of very complicated shape,
such as the oral structures.
2. Stresses resulting from complex loading conditions, such as forces
of mastication and forces produced by restorative appliances can
be determined.
3. Stresses throughout the entire model can be observed, thereby
facilitating the location and magnitude of stress concentrations
 Photoelastic stress analysis has developed into a powerful, accurate,
and widely used technique in engineering and industry.

 It has facilitated the design of complicated structures and

machinery and has had wide application in the aerospace industry.

 In recent years, photo elasticity has experienced steadily increasing

application in dentistry.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL PHOTOELSTICITY
 The procedure for two-dimensional methods is to prepare a
transparent plastic or other isotropic model of the restoration or
appliance

 The material becomes anisotropic (its properties exhibit a

directional dependence) when stressed, so the behavior of light is
affected by the direction it takes.

 As a result of the applied stress, the plastic model exhibits double

refraction because of its anisotropic structure.
 The light from a source passes through a polarizer, which transmits light
waves parallel to the polarizing axis, known as plane polarized light.

 The plane polarized light is converted to circularly polarized light by a

quarter-wave plate, and this polarized beam is split into two components
traveling along the directions of principal stress in the model.
Transmission polariscope
 Depending on the state of stress in the model,the two beams travel
at different rates

 After the light emerges from the model, it passes through second
quarter-wave plate, which is crossed with respect to the first and an
analyzer that is usually perpendicular to the polarizer.
 The interference pattern may be recorded photographically as an
isochromatic fringe pattern.

 These isochromatic fringes, or dark

lines, represent locations where the
difference in the principal stresses
is a constant.

 The magnitude of the stress can be

determined by identifying the order of
the isochromatic fringes

Some of the fringe orders (numbers)

are indicated
The fringe order × constant
Thickness of the model = value of the differences in the principal

stresses

Areas in the model-

 Fringes - close together -↑ stress gradients than areas where there are fewer
fringes, and
 Areas containing fringes of higher order -↑ stress than those fringes of
lower order
ADVANTAGES
 The magnitude and direction of stresses at any point can be determined
 It can quantify stresses throughout a three-dimensional structure
 Determine stress gradients.

DISADVANTAGES

 Birefingement material is needed and

 The technique is more difficult with complex geometries.
 PHOTOELASTICITY IRT PIN

 The standard pin is approximately 7mm long with a flattened head to engage the hand wrench or the appropriate
handpiece chunk and is threaded to place until it reaches the bottom of the pinhole as judged by tactile sense.

 One advantage of the standard design pin is that it can be reversed one quarter to one half turn after insertion to
full depth to reduce stress created at the apical end of the pinhole.

-STURDEVANT’S FIFTH EDITION

 PHOTOELASTIC IRT POST
 To date, many studies have investigated the stress distributions of restored
teeth with post and core using the photoelastic method.

 However, most of them have employed cast metal post and core in their
investigation, whilst only a few carried out their invstigations using
composite resin cores with different prefabricated posts.

-DMJ 2009:28(2):204-211
-
FINE ELEMENT ANALYSIS(FEA)
 Developed in 1943 by Richard Courant

 Used the ‘Ritz method’ of numerical analysis variation calculus to obtain approximate
solutions to vibration systems

 FEA is a computer stimulation technique used in engineering analysis. It uses a numerical

technique called Finite element method

 A common use of FEA is for the determination of stresses and displacements in mechanical
objects and systems
USES
 Used in design of physical experiments, including specimen size and future design

 Used for interrogating results from physical experiments

 Finite element method, is a modern technique of numerical stress analysis

ADVANTAGES
 It is applicable to solids of irregular geometry and heterogeneous material properties

 Ideally suited to the examination of the structural behavior of teeth

 One can easily set the conditions of each component such as young’s modulus and poisson’s
ratio

 Analysis results are easily perceivable

 FEA simulations can reduce the number of physical experiments and optimize design by
predicting results and performance

 There are a number of finite element programs available that run on low-cost computer
DISADVANTAGES:
 It is a powerful tool, but one that can be easily abused if the concepts are not fully
understood
 Results depend on its modeling methods
 The values are assigned to the material properties
 Destructive strength cannot be estimated using this method(as it is a non-destructive
test method)

Dent Mater J 2009:28(2):204-211

 Development of the finite element method in structural mechanics is usually based on
an energy principle such as the virtual work principle or the minimum total potential
energy principle

 Computer-aided engineering(CAE) is the application of computer software in

engineering to evaluate components and assemblies in stress analysis (FEA/FEM)
 This technique simulates actual continuous structures with discrete element
mathematical representations

 The basic concept of this technique is the visualization of actual structure,

as an assemblage of a finite number of structural elements connected at a
finite number of points

 The finite elements are formed figuratively cutting the original structure
into segments. For two-dimensional applications, traingles of various sizes
and shapes are usually the finite elements of choice
 Each element retains the mechanical characteristics of the original structure

 A numbering system is required to identify the elements and their

connecting points, called nodes and a coordinate system must be established
to identify uniquely the location of the nodal points

 A large number of simultaneous linear equations are computer generated,

which establish compatibility within each element
Two types of analysis that are used:
 2-D modeling
 3-D modeling

 2-D modeling conserves simplicity and allows the analysis to be run on a

normal computer; Results are less accurate

 3-D modelling, however produces more accurate results but can run only on
specialized computers
HOW DOES FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
WORK?
FEA uses a complex system of points called nodes, which make a grid called a
mesh

The mesh is programmed to contain the material and structural properties,

which define how the structure will react to certain loading conditions

Nodes are assigned at a certain denity throughout the material depending on

the anticipated stress levels of a particular area
 These finite elements are formed when the original structure is divided into
a number of appropriately shaped sections, with the sections retaining the
actual properties of the real materials.
The information needed to calculate the stresses and displacements in a finite
element model is
 The total number of nodal points and elements
 A numbering system for identifying each nodal point and element
 Elastic moduli and poisson’s ratio for the materials associated with each
element
 Coordinates of each nodal point
 Type of boundary constraints
 Evaluation of the forces applied to the external nodes
-CRAIG’S
 The FEA methods are purely numerical, are based on many limiting assumptions
and are potentially costly.

 Much more research is needed in this area before the numerical values can be
accepted without question.

 In general, the FEA method is best suited for predicting trends and performing
parametric analysis

 There is an increased awareness that detailed knowledge of anisotropic material

properties and constitutive relations is important in building a valid finite element
model.

 There is also an increased emphasis on experimental validation of numerical results.

STRESS ANALYSIS FOR POSTS
The influence of post design on stress distribution has been tested with
 Photoelastic materials
 Strain gages
 Finite element analysis
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS SHOWING THE NATURE OF STRESS DISTRIBUTIONS IN A COLUMN
P
Pe P

+ =
C
C
T C
NA

P=LOAD PE- BENDING

A MOMENT C-COMPRESSION T- TENSION NA- NEUTRAL AXIS ALONG WHICH
STRESS IS B C
ZERO E- DISTANCE OF THE LOAD FROM THE AXIS OF SYMMETRY

(A) SHOWS THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMPRESSIVE STRESS WHEN A LOAD IS APPLIED ALONG THE
AXIS OF SYMMETRY.

(B) SHOWS THE DISTRIBUTION OF BENDING STRESS WHEN BENDING MOMENT IS APPLIED.
BENDING STRESS RESULTED IN COMPRESSIVE STRESS ON ONE SIDE AND TENSILE STRESS ON THE
OTHER WITH A
NEUTRAL STRESS PLANE INTERVENING

(C) SHOWS THE DISTRIBUTION OF BENDING STRESS WHEN A LOAD IS APPLIED AT A DISTANCE ‘E’
FROM
THE AXIS OF SYMMETRY. THIS RESULTED IN HIGHER COMPRESSIVE STRESS WHEN COMPARED WITH
THE TENSILE STRESS. THE NEUTRAL AXIS SHIFTS IN THIS CASE AND NO LONGER COINCIDES WITH
THE AXIS OF SYMMETRY
 Cementing a post in an endodontically treated tooth is a fairly common clinical
procedure, despite paucity of data to support its success

 In a laboratory study and two stress analysis, have determined no significant results

 When the tooth is loaded, stresses are greatest at FACIAL & LINGUAL surfaces of
the root and

 INTERNAL POST-only minimally stresses-does not help prevent fracture

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OBTAINED FROM FEM ANALYSIS SHOWING THE
TYPICAL DISTRIBUTION OF (A) SHEAR AND (B) TENSILE, COMPRESSIVE AND
STRESSES IN A DOWEL–CORE RESTORED TOOTH
POST-DENTINE INTERFACE (LUTING CEMENT )

Regions of high shear stress

A load of 100 N was applied to Mesial side Distal side

the crown at an angle of 45

Region of high
compressive and
stresses

Region of high tensile and

Facial side stresses
From these laboratory studies, the following conclusions have been drawn:

1.The greatest stress concentrations are at:

 Shoulder-particularly interproximally
 Apex
Dentin should be conserved in these areas if possible

2. Stresses are reduced as post length↑

3.Parallel sided posts-distribute stress more evenly than do tapered posts-

because of wedging effect
Parallel sided posts generate high stresses at the apex.
4. Sharp angles-avoided-they produce high stresses at the apex

5.High stress-generated during insertion-particularly with smooth, parallel-

sided posts that have no vent for cement space.

6.Threaded posts can produce high stress concentrations during insertion and
loading, but they have been shown to distribute stress evenly if the posts are
backed off a half-turn and when the head contact area is of sufficient size.

7.Cement layer results in even stress distribution to the root with less
concentrations.
 Experimental impact testing of teeth with cemented posts of different diameters
showed that teeth with a thicker (1.8mm) post fractured more easily than those with a
thinner (1.3mm) one.

 Photoelastic stress analysis has shown that internal stresses are reduced with thinner
posts.
 CONCLUSION
There is an alteration in the stress distribution pattern within the
remaining tooth structure.
 Regions of stress concentration and high tensile stresses readily occur in post–core-
restored tooth.

 The intensity of stress concentration and tensile stresses will depend upon
(1) The material properties of the crown, post, and core material
(2) The shape of the post
(3) The adhesive strength at the crown–tooth, core–tooth, and core– post, post–tooth
interfaces
(4) The magnitude and direction of occlusal loads
(5) The amount of available tooth structure, and
(6) The anatomy of the tooth

The stress concentrations and high tensile stresses will predispose such teeth to fracture.
REFERENCES
 Sturdevant’s operative dentistry
 Craigs-12th edition
 Text book of operative dentistry-Marzouk
 Fundamentals of operative dentistry Summit
 JOE-vol 34,no.8,August 2008
 Dental materials Journal 2009,28(2)
 Dental materiasl24(2008)1405-1411
THANK YOU