Evaluation of the effects of forces applied from different directions on a permanent central incisor with dental anomaly using finite element analysis

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate, using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the stress and deformation patterns in a permanent maxillary central incisor with a talon cusp anomaly subjected to traumatic forces from different directions, and to compare the biomechanical responses of this anomalous tooth with a symmetrically positioned, morphologically normal central incisor. Material and Method: CBCT images of systemically healthy pediatric patients aged 6–14 were reviewed at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. A case was selected in which one permanent central incisor presented with a talon cusp anomaly while the contralateral tooth exhibited normal morphology. CBCT data were transferred to software to generate a three-dimensional digital model for FEA. To simulate trauma, a 10 mm-radius steel sphere was projected at the buccal surface and incisal edge of the tooth at a velocity of 10 m/s. Resulting stress distributions were assessed based on von Mises stress values, and deformations were evaluated using maximum total deformation. Results: Across all models, vertically applied forces to the incisal edge caused significantly greater stress and deformation than horizontally applied forces to the buccal surface. The highest stress and deformation values were observed in the tooth with the talon cusp anomaly. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that the geometric morphology of a tooth is as critical as the direction and magnitude of applied force in determining the biomechanical response to trauma. The presence of a talon cusp significantly increased stress and deformation values, indicating that shape anomalies can meaningfully alter the distribution of traumatic forces in dental and surrounding bone structures. Keywords: Dental trauma, Dental anomalies, Finite element analysis, Talon cusp