Finite element contact stress analysis of the RPD abutment tooth and periodontal ligament

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the occlusal rest position in removable partial dentures on the displacement of the abutment tooth and the stress distribution in the periodontal ligament (PL). Methods We constructed three-dimensional finite element models of the mandibular first and second premolars. A layer of the PL and a mesial or distal occlusal rest were produced on the second premolar as an abutment. A zero displacement was prescribed on the outer surface of the PL and the first premolar. In each simulation, the rest was moved 0.05 mm vertically to the apical direction, with or without restriction of horizontal movements. We simulated the contact phenomena on the abutment surfaces, and calculated the movements of the abutment and stress distributions in the PL. Results We observed a maximum distal displacement of 42 μm at the buccal cusp of the abutment and a principal compressive stress of 0.35 MPa in the PL when the abutment was vertically loaded by a distal rest that was allowed to move horizontally. However, the displacements and stresses were relatively small, and were all within the physiological limitations of the tissues. The restriction of the horizontal movement of the rests was effective in reducing the horizontal displacements of the abutment, regardless of the rest position. Conclusions The single vertical load exerted from either the mesial or distal rest on the abutment was unlikely to cause any mechanical damage to its supporting tissues.