Background: The finite element analysis (FEA) or the finite element method (FEM) is a numerical method that is used to solve problems in engineering and mathematical physics. It has been introduced to the dental field and has been used in different dental specialties for the reason of scientific research, in order to test for stress and strain on different dental materials. It has been also used to test for different loads applied on hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity.
Purpose: The purpose of this review will be to understand the FEM and how it is used in different research fields including its application in dentistry.
Conclusion: Operating the FEM in dentistry has given it a big leap forward. Researchers could test virtually the stresses exerted upon any of the craniofacial structures. This may give rise to yet considerable evidence and may lead to the invention of new materials and appliances serving all scopes of pediatric dentistry. However, further clinical trials will be needed to support the results from this simulation software and provide evidence-based results.