Biomechanical Analysis of the Canine Tuberculum Dentale

Objectives: We evaluate the structural significance of the development of a canine tuberculum dentale by means of three-dimensional finite element analysis. Methods: Using a scanned human permanent molar, we construct a computer generated canine, together with alveolar bone and periodontal ligament onto which we morph two cingulum shapes - a flat palatal surface and a stylised tuberculum dentale. We then subject the three shapes (flat, normal cingulum and pronounced tuberculum dentale) to a normal occlusal force and we record principal and von Mises stresses in the crowns. Results: Our results show that stresses are concentrated at the cingulum and in the approximal areas, and that these do not differ between the three forms.Conclusions: We conclude that the development of a tuberculum dentale does not confer biomechanical advantage to the human canine.