3D finite element analysis of occlusal contact effects on mandibular second molar mobility.

OBJECTIVE: A 3D finite element model of the mandibular second molar and its periodontal ligament (PDL) was designed to study the impact of different occlusal contact points on tooth mobility and to identify more stable occlusal contact patterns for precise clinical adjustments and prosthesis design. METHODS: A 300 N static load was applied vertically to the tooth’s occlusal surface. Two contact types were evaluated: cusp tip-fossa contact (Model 1) and cusp-fossa tripod contact (Model 2). The study focused on tooth mobility in 94 occlusal contact patterns. RESULTS: Increased contact points reduced overall tooth displacement. Teeth showed greater movement with only mesial contact compared to distal contact. Some occlusal contact patterns proved to be more stable than those in Models 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: A uniform distribution of multiple occlusal contact points improved teeth stability. There were additional stable occlusal contact patterns in the mandibular second molars.