Finite element method--an effective research tool for dentistry.

Stress analysis of dental structures has been a topic of interest in recent years with the objective of determination of stresses in the tooth and it's supporting structures and improvement of the mechanical strength of these structures. The purpose of this article is to give an insight of the finite element analysis which has totally overtaken other experimental analysis due to its ability to model even the most complex of geometries with is immensely flexible and adaptable nature. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computer-based numerical technique for calculating the strength and behavior of structures. It can be used to analyze either small or large-scale deflection under loading or applied displacement. However it is extremely expensive and can be used only with the help of an expert engineer who has mastered this technique. Still this methodology of stress analysis has become extremely popular in dentistry as various properties of dental tissues and materials can be just fed into it and with the ease and accuracy the analysis is done is just remarkable.