Mapping tooth mechanical properties by FIMEC tests

Dentin has different morphology near the enamel and in the inner part, resulting in mechanical properties progressive changing in correspondence of structure variation. In order to obtain a local mechanical characterization of dentin, FIMEC (Flat-top cylinder Indenter for mechanical characterization),1 an instrumented indentation technique, has been employed. FIMEC uses a cylindrical punch and permits local measurements of Young’s modulus E, yield stress Y, stress-relaxation and creep. The punch diameter (Φ = 0.5 mm) is much larger than the tubule size thus data are not so largely scattered as in micro- and nano-indentation tests but, at the same time, is small enough to guarantee a good resolution in mapping the mechanical properties in different tooth positions. More details about the FIMEC test and its application for measurements on human teeth can be found in Cappelloni et al. (2010).