Stress distribution of endodontically treated mandibular molars with varying amounts of tooth structure restored with direct composite resin with or without cuspal coverage: A 3D finite element analysis

BACKGROUND: Decision-making regarding whether cuspal coverage is required or not for the restoration of root canal-treated posterior teeth is still a matter of challenge for the dentist. METHODOLOGY: Four models of endodontically treated mandibular molars with mesio-occlusal (MO) cavity were designed and simulated with direct composite resin restorations. Group 1A – cavity width <½ the intercuspal distance restored without cuspal coverage, Group 1B – same as Group 1A but with cuspal coverage, Group 2A – MO cavity width >½ but <2/3(rd) the intercuspal distance restored without cuspal coverage, and Group 2B – same as Group 2A but with cuspal coverage. The models received occlusal load to simulate a mastication load. Static finite element analysis (FEA) was adopted for predicting the stress distribution generated in the restored tooth by the loading condition. RESULTS: FEA of the models have shown that the variations in stress values were significant in bulk-fill material compared to enamel and other structures. Comparing the maximum and minimum principal stress values in the overall region demonstrated that 2A was safer, whereas 2B was found to be the worst case. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that restoration of endodontically treated mandibular molar with loss of one marginal ridge with composite resin without cuspal coverage revealed minimal internal stress values and showed the best performance overall.