Elastic outward bending of loaded buccal and lingual premolar walls in relation to cavity size and form

Abstract

The aim was to study effects of the size and form of the occlusal part of Class II cavities on elastic outward bending during loading of buccal and lingual walls, separated by the preparation. Twenty newly extracted caries-free premolars were used. A special arrangement for standardized cavity preparation was set up. In order to obtain accurate measurements of the outward bending of loaded cavity walls, an electronic tensile test device was constructed. Methodologic studies showed an insignificant departure from linearity between between outward bending and load. All deformation was elastic. Correction factors were determined for strain of the apparatus as well as for indentation in the tooth substance. Measurement accuracy was calculated to +/- 0.12 N for force and +/- 0.2 micron for movement. In accordance with statistical principles, a few outlying measurements were discarded. The outward bending of buccal and lingual walls of cavities suitable for conservative restoration with dental amalgam was about 0.15 micron per Newton. Outward bending increased dramatically with exaggerated cavity depth and width. In the light of present knowledge of average chewing forces and tooth contacts in the habitual intercuspal position in young dentate adults, there seems to be little risk of leakage between conservative restorations and cavity walls as a result of elastic outward bending, though the risk certainly does increase with the depth and width of the cavity.