A comparison of volume of tissue removed and biomechanical analysis of different access cavity designs in two-rooted mandibular first molars: a multi-sample three-dimensional finite element analysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties and the amount of coronal tissue removed among the different access cavities with a multi-sample three-dimensional finite element analysis in mandibular first molar. The correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the fracture resistance of the teeth was also analysed.

METHODS

Micro-CT data from 20 two-rooted mandibular first molars were included in this study as three-dimensional modelling prototypes. The models of untreated molars and molars treated with the Traditional Access Cavity (TradAC), the Conservative Access Cavity (ConsAC) and the straight-line minimally invasive endodontic access cavities (SMIAC) were created. Each model was loaded in 3 ways to simulate the functional conditions of occlusion. The amount of tissue removed and the maximum stress in the cervical region were recorded and analysed, and the correlation between them was also analysed.

RESULTS

The amount of coronal tissue and peri-cervical dentin (PCD) removed in SMIAC and ConsAC was less than that of TradAC. The mean maximum stress in the cervical region was significantly smaller in SMIAC and ConsAC than in TradAC. The amount of hard tissue and PCD loss was positively correlated with the maximum stress in the cervical region of the tooth.

CONCLUSIONS

In mandibular first molars, it could be beneficial to improve the fracture resistance of the tooth after endodontic treatment by the minimally invasive access cavity to reduce the loss of coronal tooth tissue and PCD. The SMIAC may be an option balancing biomechanical properties and clinical convenience.

Cone beam computed tomographic evaluation of two access cavity designs and instrumentation on the thickness of peri-cervical dentin in mandibular anterior teeth

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of two access cavity designs on the peri-cervical dentin thickness before and after instrumentation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty mandibular anterior teeth were divided into two groups of thirty teeth each: Group I: conventional access cavity preparation, where access was prepared just above the cingulum and Group II: incisal access cavity preparation, where access was prepared in proximity to the incisal edge. CBCT scans were taken preoperatively, following access cavity preparation and post instrumentation. 200 μm thick slices were obtained 4mm apical and coronal to the cemento-enamel junction. The peri-cervical dentin thickness was calculated on the facial, lingual, mesial, and distal for all the three obtained scans.

RESULTS

The analysis showed that access cavity preparation and instrumentation resulted in a significant loss of tooth structure in Group I on all surfaces, but in Group II, there was a significant loss of tooth structure only in the mesial, lingual, and distal surfaces (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Incisal access cavity preparation resulted in lesser loss of dentin in the peri-cervical region.