Does pulp cavity affect the center of resistance in three-dimensional tooth model? A finite element method study

Objectives To compare the center of resistance (Cres) of the maxillary central incisor in models with and without the pulp cavity and to evaluate the association of pulp cavity/tooth volume ratio and difference in Cres position between the two models. Materials and methods CBCT images of the right maxillary central incisor were collected from 18 subjects. Pulp cavity/tooth volume ratio was measured, and finite element models of teeth and periodontal structures were generated. Cres location was presented as a percentage of root length measured from the root apex. Differences in Cres positions between models were compared using the paired t-test, while the correlation between pulp cavity/tooth volume ratio and a difference in Cres was evaluated by Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results For the pulp cavity model, the average location of the Cres measured from the apex of the root was 58.8% +/- 3.0%, which resulted in a difference of 4.1% +/- 1.1% (0.5 mm) apically, when compared with the model without pulp cavity. Differences in Cres between the models were statistically significant (P < 0.01), while the correlation between pulp cavity/tooth volume ratio and a difference in Cres between models was significantly positive (r = 0.709, P = 0.001). Conclusions In the pulp cavity model, the Cres was located in a more apical position. The difference in Cres between models increased as the pulp cavity/tooth volume ratio increased.