Structural response of mandibular first molars in the presence of proximal contacts: finite element analysis with antagonist teeth and alternative loading applications

S. Dorado, J.R. Jiménez-Octavio, P. Riaza, O.A. Peters, A. Arias

Clinical Oral Investigations Vol. 29, nº. 4, pp. 214-1 - 214-12

Summary:

Objectives

To compare the mechanical responses of a mandibular molar under functional loads using antagonist teeth and different loading applications and configurations.

Methods

A cone-beam computed tomography of a human mandible and maxilla was used to build 16 different three-dimensional models, including four mandibular configurations [single-tooth model (first mandibular molar-M), and inclusion of mesial (mM), distal (Md) or both proximal contacts (mMd)] and occlusal load applications either with antagonist teeth or alternative Finite Element (FE) models [point load (PL), distributed surface load (SL) and rigid metal sphere (MS)]. FE analysis was performed. Equivalent von Mises (VM) stress was calculated along the entire dentin and periodontal ligament of the first mandibular molar. Maximum VM stresses were compared among the different mandibular configurations and loading applications.

Results

The highest and lowest VM stress at 50 and 100 N corresponded respectively to the single-tooth SL model (5.78 and 11.5 MPa) and to occlusal load application with antagonist teeth and proximal contacts (2.08 and 3.58 MPa). Maximum VM stresses were consistently located at the cervical area of the mesial root and decreased when adjacent teeth were present.

Conclusions

Highest stresses are located in the cervical area of the mesial root of mandibular molars, but the biomechanical behavior depends on the presence of proximal contacts and the loading methodologies used. Single-tooth models represent the worst structural scenario.

Clinical relevance

Incorporating antagonist teeth and proximal contacts into FE models enhances the biofidelity of dental biomechanics simulations, enabling more accurate extrapolation to clinical conditions.

Spanish layman's summary:

Este estudio compara las respuestas mecánicas del primer molar mandibular bajo cargas funcionales utilizando dientes antagonistas y diferentes configuraciones de carga. Los resultados muestran que las tensiones máximas se localizan en la zona cervical de la raíz mesial, y que la inclusión de contactos proximales mejora la biofidelidad de la simulación biomecánica.

English layman's summary:

This study compares the mechanical responses of the mandibular first molar under functional loads using antagonist teeth and different loading configurations. Results show maximum stresses are located at the cervical area of the mesial root, and the inclusion of proximal contacts enhances the biofidelity of biomechanical simulations.

Keywords: Biomechanics · Dental tissue · Finite element analysis · Functional load · Stress distribution

JCR Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 3,100 - Q1 (2023)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-025-06290-9

Published on paper: April 2025.

Published on-line: March 2025.

Citation:
S. Dorado, J.R. Jiménez-Octavio, P. Riaza, O.A. Peters, A. Arias, Structural response of mandibular first molars in the presence of proximal contacts: finite element analysis with antagonist teeth and alternative loading applications. Clinical Oral Investigations. Vol. 29, nº. 4, pp. 214-1 - 214-12, April 2025. [Online: March 2025]