Dentistry Simulations Using ANSYS
Claudiu Dănilă
We, a small group of veteran simulation engineers are now helping researchers in biomechanics domains: orthopaedics, dentistry, haematology, surgery etc. We bring our long-earned simulation experience to work alongside bioengineers and medics, thus further new and top-notch models, ideas and apparatuses (e.g.: prosthesis). Stay tuned for the newest simulation scenarios meant to help those in need, to easily get rid of ailments and greatly improve patients' lives.
Dentistry, also known as dental medicine and oral medicine, is the branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth.
It consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the mouth, most focused on dentition (the development and arrangement of teeth) as well as the oral mucosa.
TREATMENTS IN DENTISTRY
Common treatment procedures involve
- restoration of teeth (cavity filling)
- extraction or surgical removal of teeth
- scaling and root planing
- endodontic root canal treatment
- cosmetic dentistry
SIMULATING TREATMENTS
A. Tooth extraction
When FEA simulates the removal of teeth with pliers
B. Scaling and root milling
When FEA is used to simulate removal of plaque and other foreign sediments, either external or internal
C. Cosmetic dentistry
When FEA can analyze the effect and integrity of certain additions
D. Root canal treatment
Subsequent creation of an access cavity with a dental handpiece, cleaning and shaping the root canals with an endodontic file, and restoration with gutta-percha filling and a crown
MAIN CHALLENGES IN BIO-SIMULATIONS
OUR EARLY FEA IN DENTISTRY
Firstly, we simulated various physiological processes and contact sport using whole (fused) parts, because their separation was not possible at that time due to the CAD limitations, existing before Spaceclaim became mainstream.
OUR RECENT FEA IN DENTISTRY
Once we mastered the use of Spaceclaim and the Mass Scaling capabilities, we approached more complex simulations using separate parts, with large strains and multi-step events flow.
OUR NEWEST FEA IN DENTISTRY
Most recently, we simulated orthodontics devices (e.g.: braces) and complicated dental procedures, such as tooth extraction and Root Canal Treatment. Our team has the knowledge and capabilities to approach and deal with the most complex and advanced biomechanical simulations, as seen here in Dentistry, but also for any other medical domains.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN DENTISTRY SIMULATIONS
1.Investigation of teeth growth and tissue (gum) healing using FEA
2.Using SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics) to simulate food breakage during mastication, also to simulate the natural or accidental erosion of teeth or gum
3.Using SMART (or XFEM) to simulate fracture propagation in teeth and adjacent tissues or even dentistry tools
4.Combining CFD + FEA + SPH to simulate multi-step complex scenarios (e.g. chewing, mastication, swallowing of semi-solid food and liquids, presence of saliva during mastication and the other oral processes )
5.Usage of (Live) Augmented Reality to simulate oral events, also the effect of the tools on the teeth and gum during surgery procedures