FEM in periodontal research.

The changes in the periodontal tissues either due to pathologic processes on external forces have been investigated from histologic, histochemical, biochemical, physiologic, and bioelectrical (bony response) and biochemical viewpoint. However, because of the complexity of stress analysis or experimental techniques, no information is available on the stress induced in the periodontal tissues. The Finite Element Method (FEM), which is introduced as one of the methods for numerical analysis, has become a useful technique for stress analysis in biologic systems. The FEM makes it possible to analytically apply various force systems at any point and in any direction. From the periodontal point of view, FEM would provide different stress levels in periodontal structures based on the biomechanical principle, which in turn may prompt occlusal correction at an earlier date.