A finite element analysis for a comparative evaluation of stress with two commonly used esthetic posts

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in the dentin and alveolar bone created by load application on simulated endodontically treated teeth with two different esthetic posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A finite element model was made and elastic moduli and poissons ratio of all the materials fed to the software. For both the models, a 100N force was applied on the lingual surface of the tooth at an angle of 45°. Stress concentration and distribution were evaluated and noted down for both the posts. RESULTS: Finite element method revealed that Glass fibre post had homogenous distribution of stress whereas in zirconia post the stress was concentrated in the post. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that glass fibre post should be used in well-conserved radicular tooth structure and Zirconia post is indicated in weakened and grossly destructed tooth structure.