A finite element analysis of a mandibular canine as a denture abutment.

A two dimensional finite element model was made of a mandibular canine and its supporting bone. The model was used to show stress values associated with loading the tooth as a partial denture abutment before and after modification to include rest seat preparations in different positions. Axial load produced a low pattern of stress while load on the unprepared tooth produced a very high pattern of stress. The effectiveness of rest seats in reducing stress in the alveolar bone was confirmed.