Brief communication: comparing loading scenarios in lower first molar supporting bone structure using 3D finite element analysis

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a wide- spread technique to evaluate the stress/strain distribu- tions in teeth or dental supporting tissues. However, in most studies occlusal forces are usually simplified using a single vector (i.e., point load) either parallel to the long tooth axis or oblique to this axis. In this pilot study we show how lower first molar occlusal information can be used to investigate the stress distribution with 3D FEA in the supporting bone structure. The LM1 and the LP 2 -LM 1 of a dried modern human skull were scanned by lCT in maximum intercuspation contact. A kinematic analysis of the surface contacts between LM1 and LP 2 -LM 1 during the power stroke was carried out in the occlusal finger- print analyzer (OFA) software to visualize contact areas during maximum intercuspation contact. This informa- tion was used for setting the occlusal molar loading to evaluate the stress distribution in the supporting bone structure using FEA. The output was compared to that obtained when a point force parallel to the long axis of the tooth was loaded in the occlusal basin. For the point load case, our results indicate that the buccal and lingual cort- ical plates do not experience notable stresses. However, when the occlusal contact areas are considered, the disto- lingual superior third of the mandible experiences high tensile stresses, while the medio-lingual cortical bone is subjected to high compressive stresses. Developing a more realistic loading scenario leads to better models to understand the relationship between masticatory func- tion and mandibular shape and structures. Am J Phys Anthropol 000:000-000, 2011. V C 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.