Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the maxillary central incisor in two different situations of traumatic impact.

Dental trauma is one of the most common events in dental practice. However, few studies have investigated the biomechanical characteristics of these injuries. The objective of this study was to analyse the stress distribution in the dentoalveolar structures of a maxillary central incisor subjected to two situations of impact loading. The following loading forces were applied using a 3D finite element model: a force of 2000 N acting at an angle of 90°on the buccal surface of the crown and a vertical 2000 N force acting in the cleidocranial direction on the incisal surface of the tooth. Harmful stresses were observed in both situations, causing damage to both the tooth and adjacent tissue. However, the damage found in soft tissues such as periodontal ligament and dental pulp was negligible. In conclusion, injuries resulting from the traumatic situations were more damaging to the integrity of the tooth and its associated hard-tissue structures.

Finite element analysis applied to dentoalveolar trauma: methodology description.

Dentoalveolar traumatic injuries are among the clinical conditions most frequently treated in dental practice. However, few studies so far have addressed the biomechanical aspects of these events, probably as a result of difficulties in carrying out satisfactory experimental and clinical studies as well as the unavailability of truly scientific methodologies. The aim of this paper was to describe the use of finite element analysis applied to the biomechanical evaluation of dentoalveolar trauma. For didactic purposes, the methodological process was divided into steps that go from the creation of a geometric model to the evaluation of final results, always with a focus on methodological characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, so as to allow the reader to customize the methodology according to specific needs. Our description shows that the finite element method can faithfully reproduce dentoalveolar trauma, provided the methodology is closely followed and thoroughly evaluated.

Viability of human fibroblasts in coconut water as a storage medium.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new storage medium for avulsed teeth, coconut water, in maintaining the viability of human fibroblasts. METHODOLOGY: Cell viability after different time periods was evaluated in the following storage media: coconut water, coconut water with sodium bicarbonate, milk, saline and still mineral water. Human fibroblasts were seeded in Eagle's minimal essential medium (EMEM) supplemented with 7.5% foetal calf serum. After trypsinisation, 100 microL of culture medium containing approximately 10(4) cells mL(-1) were collected and pipetted into the wells of 96-well plates, which were incubated overnight in 5% CO(2) and 95% air mixture at 37 degrees C. EMEM was then replaced by the storage media and the plates were incubated at 37 degrees C for 1, 2 and 4 h. Cell viability was determined using the neutral red assay. The proportions of viable cells after exposure to the storage media were analysed statistically by anova and the least significant difference (LSD) test (alpha = 5%). RESULTS: Milk had the greatest capacity to maintain cell viability (P < 0.05), followed by coconut water with sodium bicarbonate and saline. Coconut water was significantly worse at maintaining cell viability compared to milk, coconut water with sodium bicarbonate and saline. The smallest number of viable cells was observed for mineral water (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Coconut water was worse than milk in maintaining human fibroblast cell viability.