Development of mathematical models and efficient algorithms to simulate the loading conditions of the periodontium in dental biomechanics: clinical and experimental validation

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Christoph Bourauel
• Co-Applicant: Professor Dr. Rolf Krause
• Subject Area: Dentistry, Oral Surgery
• Term: from 2008 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 58918792

In the first project phase of this subproject #5, newly developed in-vivo- and in-vitro experimental devices have been constructed and new developments for the mathematical modeling and the numerical simulation of the periodontal ligament (PDL) have been performed. One of the central results of this first period is that a complete measurement - modeling - simulation - validation chain has been established as feedback loop. Particular focus was placed on the time-dependant behavior and the impact of varying health status of the periodontium. First in-vitro-tests together with ongoing in-vitro- and in-vivo-studies and simulations revealed an extreme influence of the loading velocity on the force/deflection characteristics, as reported earlier by several authors. However, accuracy and velocity range could be extended significantly. The main focus of the second project phase will be the clinical application of the developed methods and devices and further refinement of the developed mathematical und numerical models on the basis of the data acquired by in-vitro- and in-vivo measurements.Tooth mobilities of patients will be measured with different periodontal status using the intraoral measurement device. The clinical work groups of the subprojects #2, #4, #7 and #8 will be asked for support in the clinical study phase.

• DFG Programme: Clinical Research Units
• Subproject of: KFO 208: Aetiology and Sequelae of Periodontal Diseases - Genetic, Cell Biological and Biomechanical Aspects
• International Connection: Switzerland