Three-dimensional Finite Element Modeling Of A Maxillary Premolar Tooth Based On The Micro-CT Scanning

Objective This study describes the details of how to construct a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of a maxillary first premolar tooth based on micro-CT data acquisition technique, MIMICS software and ANSYS software.Methods The tooth was scanned by micro-CT, in which1295slices were obtained and then648slices were selected for modelling. The3D surface mesh models of enamel and dentin were created by MIMICS (STL file). The solid mesh model was constructed by ANSYS. After the material properties and boundary conditions were set, a loading analysis was performed to demonstrate the applicableness of the resulting model. The first and third principal stresses were then evaluated.Results The results showed that the number of nodes and elements of the finite element model were56618and311801, respectively. The geometric form of the model was highly consistent with that of the true tooth, and the deviation between them was-0.28%. The loading analysis revealed the typical stress patterns in the contour map. The maximum compressive stress existed in the contact points and the maximum tensile stress existed in the deep fissure between the two cusps.Conclusions Successfully constructing a3D finite element model of a maxillary first premolar tooth based on micro-CT data with high quality.