Influence of Thermal and Thermomechanical Stimuli on Dental Restoration Geometry and Material Properties of Cervical Restoration: A 3D Finite Element Analysis

Cervical restoration of a premolar tooth is a challenging task as it involves structural modification to ensure the functional integrity of the tooth. The lack of retention in the cervical area, with the cavity margins on dentin and the nonavailability of enamel, makes it challenging for restoration. The high organic content of dentin, along with its tubular structure and outward flow of fluid, make dentin bonding difficult to attain. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of thermal and thermomechanical stimuli on the geometry of dental restorations in the cervical region. In the present study, a three-layered restorative material made of glass ionomer cement, hybrid layer, and composite resin is considered by varying the thickness of each layer. Group 1 of elliptical-shaped cavities generates von Mises stress of about 14.65 MPa (5 °C), 41.84 MPa (55 °C), 14.83 MPa (5 °C and 140 N), and 28.89 MPa (55 °C and 140 N), respectively, while the trapezoidal cavity showed higher stress of 36.27 MPa (5 °C), 74.44 MPa (55 °C), 34.14 MPa (5 °C and 140 N), and 75.57 MPa (55 °C and 140 N), which is comparable to the elliptical cavity. The result obtained from the analysis helps to identify the deformation and volume change that occurs due to various real-time conditions, such as temperature difference and thermal stress. The study provides insight into the behavior of novel restorative materials of varied thicknesses and temperature levels through simulation.