Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 Oct 2007

Implant Abutment Screw Torque Generated by General Dentists Using a Hand Driver in a Limited Access Space Simulating the Mouth

DDS, MS,
DMD, and
DMD, MS
Page Range: 277 – 279
DOI: 10.1563/1548-1336(2007)33[277:IASTGB]2.0.CO;2
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Abstract

For various reasons, dentists may be tempted to definitively tighten implant abutment screws using only handheld screwdrivers. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of general dentists to generate implant abutment screw preload using a simple screwdriver in a limited-access space simulating the mouth. Results indicated that mechanical torque wrenches must be used in posterior areas of the mouth to establish sufficient preload, and dental experience is not a major factor in the ability to tighten an implant abutment screw.

Keywords: implant abutment screw; preload; dental experience
Copyright: American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Modified typodont with implant-abutment connected to strain gauge.

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Typodont secured to manikin assembly with electronic sensor.

Contributor Notes

Edward E. Hill, DDS, MS, is an associate professor, Scott M. Phillips, DMD, is an assistant professor, and Larry C. Breeding, DMD, MS, is a professor and chair, Department of Care Planning and Restorative Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Mississippi, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39116. Address correspondence to Dr. Edward Hill (EEHill@sod.umsmed.edu).

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