Photomechanical characterization of dentin hard tissue mechanics

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Dentin hard-tissue is a complex, hydrated, biocomposite that forms the major bulk of teeth. Though the relevance of the inorganic and organic fractions of dentin on the mechanical properties is known, the effect of microstructural variations and material property gradients on the response of dentin to mechanical forces is not well established. Understanding the role of functionally adapted microstructural and material property gradients on the mechanical integrity of an important structural biomaterial such as dentin has always been a challenging problem; however, past research have made no concerted effort to investigate the effect of tissue-anisotropy on the functional response of dental hard-tissues. This dearth in the understanding of the functional characteristics of dental hard-tissue is the primary reason for tooth fracture and other numerous problems encountered with restorations/prostheses/implants. Photomechanical experiments are high resolution whole-field experiments that provide real-time in situ information, under physiological loads. The current research program will focus on developing photomechanical experiments to determine the microstrains of dentin hard tissue, study the role of compositional changes and microstructural changes on the response of dentin to mechanical loads. Photomechanical experiments, Finite Element Analysis and in vitro experiments on dentin models will be employed. The proposed microstrain/stress based understanding of the dentin tissue response to forces will not only provide a sound mechanistic basis for biomaterial development, but also aid in developing models to predict biomechanical response of dentin at different simulated conditions. This project will open new vistas in hard-tissue characterization and rehabilitation of hard-tissues.