Effect of Punch and Orifice Base Sizes in Different Push-out Test Setups: Stress Distribution Analysis

Purpose: This study evaluated the influence of punch and base orifice diameters on push-out test results by means of finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods: FEA was performed using 3D models of the push-out test with 3 base orifice diameters (2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 mm) and 3 punch diameters (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm) using MARC/MENTAT (MSC. Software). The image of a cervical slice from a root restored with a fiberglass post was used to construct the models. The mechanical properties of dentin, post, and resin cement were obtained from the literature. Bases and punches were constructed as rigid bodies. A 10-N force was applied by the punch in the center of the post in a nonlinear contact analysis. Modified von Mises stress, maximum principal stress, as well as shear and normal stress components were calculated. Results: Both punch and base orifice sizes influenced the stress distribution of the push-out test. Bases with larger diameters and punches with smaller diameters caused higher stress in dentin and at the dentin/cement interface. Conclusion: FEA showed that the diameter of the orifice base had a more significant influence on the stress distribution than did the punch diameter. For this reason, both factors should be taken into account during push-out experimental tests.