Abstract
In this study, we aim at clarifying dental occlusion functions by visualizing the displacement and deformation patterns of the periodontium under dental occlusion. A digital image correlation method was employed as a visualization technique and a deformation analysis method. Fresh periodontium specimens from pigs were used as specimens. In addition to the occlusion test using fresh periodontium specimens, the same test was conducted using dried periodontium specimens, and the differences in displacement and deformation patterns between the fresh and dried periodontium specimens were evaluated. The experimental results show that periodontal ligaments deformed first, followed by alveolar bones under dental occlusion. We found that there were marked differences in displacement and deformation patterns between the fresh and dried periodontium specimens, and that the periodontal ligament plays an important role in dental occlusion functions.