Biomechanical response of post‐restored maxillary lateral incisors under simulated lateral loading: A cone beam computed tomography and finite element analysis study
Omir Aldowah, Ahmed A Almeshari, Rayan A. Alasmari, Hamed N. Alghamdi, Naser Alsobhan, Ali Dayl, Dhafer S. Alqahtani, Seyed Ali MosaddadAbstract
Purpose
To characterize buccolingual root dimensions of maxillary lateral incisors using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and separately compare post restorations by finite element analysis (FEA) of one tooth geometry.
Materials and Methods
A CBCT sample of 30 participants with paired maxillary lateral incisors was evaluated at 5–9 mm from the radiologic apex. Buccolingual diameter was analyzed with a linear mixed model incorporating side, measurement level, their interaction, and participant and tooth effects. Separately, one CBCT‐derived baseline geometry was restored with 1.3‐ or 1.6‐mm posts and 1‐ or 2‐mm ferrules. Each configuration received a 200‐N static lateral load at 3 idealized contact sites, yielding 12 deterministic analyses. FEA outcomes were compared descriptively.
Results
Estimated mean buccolingual root diameter increased from 5.09 mm at 5 mm to 5.80 mm at 9 mm from the radiologic apex. Within the baseline geometry, a 2‐mm ferrule reduced post and crown cement‐layer deformation but increased residual‐tooth deformation. Crown deformation showed no consistent pattern. The Class III‐type contact site produced the highest residual‐tooth stress.
Conclusions
CBCT findings describe buccolingual root dimensions in the sampled participants. FEA findings describe component‐dependent responses in one geometry and do not predict fracture, fatigue, clinical failure, or patient‐specific treatment outcomes.