BIOMECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF PMMA PROVISIONAL PROSTHO-DONTIC RESTORATIONS IN MAXILLARY POSTERIOR TEETH WITH REDUCED PERIODONTAL SUPPORT: A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Authors

  • G. ROTUNDU Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • F. C. BIDA Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • Daniela ARGATU Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • Ioana VATA Apollonia University of Iasi
  • R. STIRBU Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi
  • Sorina Mihaela SOLOMON Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • Oana-Maria BUTNARU Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • D. I. VIRVESCU Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • Monica Silvia TATARCIUC Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • I. LUCHIAN Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22551/

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical response of PMMA provisional prosthodontic restorations replacing a missing maxillary first molar under progressive horizontal periodontal bone loss using finite element analysis. Materials and methods: Three-dimensional finite element models incorporating PMMA provisional prosthodontic restorations were developed to simulate healthy periodontal support and 10%, 20%, and 30% horizontal bone loss. Five occlusal loading conditions (300, 500, 800, 1000, and 1200 N) were applied. Equivalent von Mises stress, compressive stress magnitude, and structural displacement were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVA, Tukey post-hoc comparisons, and linear trend analysis. Results: Increasing occlusal force produced a progressive increase in equivalent stress, compressive stress magnitude, and displacement across all periodontal conditions. Occlusal loading represented the main determinant of the biomechanical response, whereas periodontal bone loss exerted its greatest effect on structural displacement. The model with 30% horizontal bone loss exhibited the highest displacement, showing a 25.7% increase compared with the healthy model under a 1200 N occlusal load. Stress-related parameters were influenced predominantly by load magnitude, while displacement increased consistently with progressive periodontal support reduction. Conclusions: PMMA provisional prosthodontic restorations demonstrated predictable biomechanical behavior under increasing occlusal loading. Progressive periodontal bone loss primarily affected structural displacement, indicating that teeth with reduced periodontal support may require individualized occlusal management during provisional prosthodontic rehabilitation. 

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Additional Files

Published

2026-09-28

Issue

Vol. 130 No. 3 (2026): The Medical-Surgical Journal

Section

DENTAL MEDICINE

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