A finite element study of ultrasonic wave propagation in a tooth phantom.

Ultrasound is used extensively in industry for the detection and characterization of defects in critical engineering structures. Similar techniques could be used in dentistry if a thorough understanding of ultrasonic wave propagation in teeth were available. This paper presents a hypothesis that finite element analysis can be used to solve the hyperbolic partial differential equation which governs ultrasonic wave propagation in teeth. A three-layer tooth phantom based on the geometry of a human second molar is used to illustrate the validity of this hypothesis. Simulated wave propagation studies are described for the tooth phantom with a gold crown layer, with an amalgam restoration insertion, and containing a cavity. Results clearly show the finite element code's ability to predict and visualize ultrasonic wave propagation in complex dental structures.