A Study on the External and Internal Morphology of the Mandibular First Premolar using a Micro-CT

摘要

Mandibular first premolars in superlative state were scanned by a Micro-CT. Data were obtained from the scanned 2-D images, and reconstructed into 3-D models for FEA, at which point stress distribution of the inner and outer part of the tooth were shown. It was found that when compared with the teeth data used as a standard by G. V. Black, the aspect of the external morphology of the teeth is comparatively small regardless of gender. Also, differences exist between the Micro-CT data and G. V. Black's data. This study also presents the internal morphological data that was not shown in G. V. Black's data. The dentin size is larger than the enamel size in both males and females in the case of the internal morphological data. It is found that the stress was concentrated on the cervical line, and the stress varied around the boundary between dentin and enamel within the teeth. It is also revealed that the stress varied at the boundary surface between dentin and pulp. The results using a Micro-CT and stress analysis may reveal the cause of the abfraction, and bring up a guideline for endodontic treatment.