Computer simulation in dental research and dentistry

Abstract

Computer simulation is one of the modem technologies to use a computer programme attempting to represent an abstract model of a particular system. It can be useful to gain insights if we cautiously used as a part of modelling in systems of science, engineering and social science. Modelling of these systems usually need to go through a mathematical process (i.e. an algorithm), such that an attempt is to be made to find a numerical solution for which no analytical solution is available. Thus, this enables the prediction of the behaviour of the system from a set of parameters and initial conditions. Dentistry examples for these are Monte Carlo (MC) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. On the other hand, for complex systems, exact analytical solutions are rare, and successive approximation might be necessary. Indeed, finite element (FE) method which is commonly used in dental metal and ceramics simulations belongs to this class. Nevertheless, close attention needs to be paid to such parametric matters such as sample size, program validation and verification of the simulation model. These contribute to the successfulness (e.g. closeness to reality) of computer simulation. Moreover, these are the key to excel in dental research and digital dentistry, utilizing some tactics such as artificial intelligence (Al) - as what currently our lab is working on in aspects of microbiology- and dental automation.