Stress Distribution in the Dental Surrounding Tissues of the Second Mandibular Molar with the First Mandibular Molar Loss: a Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis

【Objective】To evaluate the stress distribution in the surrounding tissues of the second mandibular molar with the first mandibular molar loss using a finite element analysis.【Methods】Two three-dimensional finite element models of the second mandibular molar with or without the first mandibular molar were constructed by the combination of the Computed Tomographic(CT) scanning technology and Ansys software.A vertical load of 22.5 kg was applied to the second molar on the central fossae in each case.The stress distribution in the surrounding tissues of the second mandibular molar was compared.【Results】The first mandibular molar loss increased the stress in the mesial,distal alveolar ridge and the apex of the second mandibular molar and increased the stress surrounding the second mandibular molar.【Conclusion】The stress distribution around the roots of the second mandibular molar with the first mandibular molar loss may tilt the second mandibular molar mesially and do harm to the tooth,paradontal tissues and the orofacial system.