STRESS DISTRIBUTION IN PERIODONTALLY COMPROMISED MANDIBULAR MOLARS UNDER ASYMMETRIC LOADING: A THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT STUDY

Authors

  • F. CURCĂ Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • Ruxandra Teodora STAN Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • Oana BUTNARU Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • G. ROTUNDU Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • F. C. BIDA Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • Teona TUDORICI Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • C. G. POPA Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22551/

Abstract

Periodontal disease alters the biomechanical stability of the supporting tissues, predisposing them to damage under occlusal overload. This study aims to use finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the effect of traumatic occlusal forces on a mandibular second molar with compromised periodontal support. Materials and methods: A three-dimensional FEA model was constructed from CT data and subjected to symmetrical and asymmetrical occlusal loads, ranging from 500 N to 1000 N, with variations in tooth inclination. Results: The results showed that axial stress and maximum displacement increased proportionally with force intensity, with the highest values observed under asymmetric loading in mesial inclined teeth with alveolar bone loss. In contrast, symmetrical loading on a well-aligned tooth in normal bone conditions generated minimal stresses. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical role of occlusal force distribution in periodontal biomechanics and confirm that traumatic occlusion may accelerate tissue breakdown in compromised periodontium. 

Author Biography

  • Ruxandra Teodora STAN, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

    Periodontal disease alters the biomechanical stability of the supporting tissues, predisposing them to damage under occlusal overload. This study aims to use finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the effect of traumatic occlusal forces on a mandibular second molar with compromised periodontal support. Materials and methods: A three-dimensional FEA model was constructed from CT data and subjected to symmetrical and asymmetrical occlusal loads, ranging from 500 N to 1000 N, with variations in tooth inclination. Results: The results showed that axial stress and maximum displacement increased proportionally with force intensity, with the highest values observed under asymmetric loading in mesial inclined teeth with alveolar bone loss. In contrast, symmetrical loading on a well-aligned tooth in normal bone conditions generated minimal stresses. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical role of occlusal force distribution in periodontal biomechanics and confirm that traumatic occlusion may accelerate tissue breakdown in compromised periodontium. 

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Published

2026-04-01

Issue

Vol. 130 No. 1 (2026): The Medical-Surgical Journal

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DENTAL MEDICINE

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