RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effects of the configuration of endodontic cavities with parallel or divergent walls, versus traditional endodontic cavities, on stress distribution, fracture resistance, and fracture mode of maxillary premolars by using both fracture-strength and finite element tests. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty-two maxillary first premolars were divided into four groups (n = 8), according to the type of endodontic cavities: without endodontic cavities (control); conservative; conservative with diverging walls; and traditional. After performing root canal treatment and restoration, fracture resistance was evaluated by oblique compressive load. The stress distribution was evaluated by nonlinear finite element analysis by means of micro-computed tomography, operated at 50 kV and 800 mA. The fracture resistance data were analyzed by statistical software. RESULTS: Higher stress concentration was observed on the coronal portion of the palatal cusp and the palatal root dentin. Stress concentration on the palatal root dentin was similar for all groups. The stress level on the palatal cusp and at the proximal crests was slightly increased in the traditional endodontic cavities group compared with conservative endodontic cavities. Stress distribution in restored teeth was similar to that of intact teeth. No significant differences were observed in the fracture resistance among different endodontic cavities' design (P = .32). All groups had values similar to those of the control group (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the cavity design, conservative endodontic cavities that preserve marginal ridge integrity did not affect the resistance to fracture, failure mode, or stress distribution in maxillary premolars restored with composite resin. Endodontically treated teeth displayed biomechanical behavior similar to sound teeth.