Abstract
The occlusal force of the tooth leads to loss of tooth tissue owing to attrition and abrasion, and may cause abfraction and pathological change of the dentin. Thus, we developed finite element models, examined them by applying ordinary occlusal force, and analyzed the stress distribution. Specimens used were mandibular first premolars from 15 Korean males and 13 females and were made into finite element models from medical images that were obtained using a Micro-CT. We have found that the irregular feature of the tooth is not only useful to masticating and pronouncing as well known, but it is also suitable for protecting inner tissue by dispersing stress and delivering proper pressure to periodontal tissue to continue a physiological action. Also, image analysis could let us know the factor that is the cause of a disorder due to stress concentration in the cervical line. These results are expected to support the field of dental treatment planning, operating procedure and clinical trial, and the advance of technical expertise to develop implants and dentures.
