Laboratory Method of Accelerated Evaluation of Fatigue of Conservatively Treated Teeth

Abstract

This paper presents a method of forecasting durability of dental fillings according to the criterion of fatigue expansion of the marginal gap between the filling and the hard tissue of the tooth. The marginal fissure is initiated by the polymer shrinkage of the filling. Development of the marginal fissure results from a number of wear phenomena. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of impact mechanical loads (IC) and impact thermal loads (TC) on tightness degradation of dental filling as well as to provide evidence for the necessity of including this type of forces in accelerated laboratory tests of dental filling durability. It has been demonstrated that cyclic thermal shocks and impact mechanical loadings play a crucial role in degradation of the filling. In authors’ opinion, this type of forces should be taken into consideration while performing n vitro tests. Accurate evaluation of the teething conditions, based on quantitative assessment should include the measurements of untightness in all contact zones between the filling and the tooth tissues, and not only by the mastication surface.