A mathematical investigation of the biomechanical effects of simulated periodontal surgery

Through the use of a three-dimensional finite-element model of a dried human mandible, the stress and strain fields developed in localized tooth-loaded regions of the mandible, both before and after osseous surgery, were investigated. It is shown that simulated osseous surgery results in a significant increase In stress and strain concentration in the bone overlying periodontally involved teeth treated by osteoectomy, as compared with the natural condition. Predicted strain distributions on the buccal surface of the mandible are compared with experimental data to indicate the degree of correlation between model predictions and test results.