Stress analysis of a tooth restored with a post and core.

An idealized axisymmetric finite element model of a second premolar restored with a post and core was used to study the distribution and magnitude of stresses as a function of the following parameters: the diameter of the post, the length and the shape of the post, and finally the interface characteristics between post and cement. Emphasis was directed toward the cement layer interposed between the post and the tooth. Bonding between the post and the cement appeared to be the most important parameter to achieve optimal mechanical behavior of the tooth-prosthesis combination.