Assessment of stress distribution with 3 taper design preparation of root canal using finite element analysis

Aim: Present research was done to assess stress distribution in three different taper design preparation of root canal with the help of finite element analysis. Materials and Methods: Lower incisors teeth having single canals that were cleaned and shaped with the help of NeoEndo Flex Titanium (NiTi) rotary file and later three designs were created such as 4%, 6%, and 8% canal preparation taper. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was done for all teeth and subjected to finite element analysis for stresses. The collected data were statistically analyzed. Results: Highest stress was found in the coronal followed by the middle and least in the apical part in all three designs. The highest stress value was found in enamel than dentin (MPa). The highest stress value was found with design 3 (8% taper) followed by designs 2 (6% taper) and 1 (4% taper) for enamel and dentin with either oblique or vertical stress loading. Conclusion: All canals preparation exhibited maximum enamel stress at the coronal load points compared to apical and middle portions. The stress increases with increase in canal tapering.