The effect of apical foramen patency on condensation stresses |
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Authors: | Dennis R. Gimlin Charles H. Parr Gilbert Aguirre-Ramirez |
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Affiliation: | USAF Hospital, Chanute Air Force Base, IL, USA.;Department of Materials Sciences, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA.;Division of Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, TX, USA. |
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Abstract: | Abstract Mathematical models and computer-based engineering tools were used to evaluate the effect of a patent or closed apical foramen on stresses that are produced within gutta-percha during condensation. We examined a mathematical model of a tapered canal with a definite constriction and compared the results when the apical foramen was closed or open. When the canal was closed an almost constant stress was seen throughout the gutta-percha. When the foramen was open a sharp increase in lateral stress was observed in the apical portions of the canal. The constriction near the foramen caused the gutta-percha to be squeezed together and the stress was increased. This increases the likelihood that the gutta-percha is well adapted to the apical constriction. However, the stresses are also transferred to the surrounding dentin, resulting in a stress concentration near the apical foramen where the bulk of dentin is minimal. |
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Keywords: | endodontic treatment obturation gutta-percha dentin plug |
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