Objective: The study aims to evaluate the stress distribution on tooth and restoration of zirconia endocrowns with pulp chamber or intracanal extension and zirconia post performed maxillary first molar using finite element analysis.
Method and materials: Three three-dimensional endodontically treated maxillary molars were modeled. Cortical bone and cementum were modeled 2 mm and 200 μm in thickness. Periodontal ligament at 250 μm thickness was constructed. Zirconia endocrown with pulp chamber extension of 2 mm (Model E+PCE), zirconia endocrown with intracanal extension of 4 mm (Model E+ICE), and zirconia post of 4 mm and crown (ZP) were modeled using software. All restoration models were placed on the maxillary molars. Models were subjected to 400 N loading from the three occlusal contact points. Von Mises stress was recorded.
Results: Expectingly, points where the stress was applied showed high stress compared to other regions of the models. The stress did not occur at the trifurcation in any of the models. For the stresses occurring in the restoration material, there were 14.67 MPa, 57.79 MPa, and 155.56 MPa, in Models E+PCE, E+ICE, and ZP, respectively. At the remaining dentin, these values were 47.04 MPa, 32.85 MPa, and 33.42 MPa in Models E+PCE, E+ICE, and ZP, respectively.
Conclusions: Within the limitation of the study, zirconia endocrowns with intracanal extension exhibit more favorable stress distribution in both restoration material and dentin compared to zirconia posts and pulpal extension endocrowns. These findings suggest that endocrown with intracanal extension may be a better restorative option for reducing stress.