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Measuring abutment/implant joint integrity with the Periotest instrument
M G Faulkner1, J F Wolfaardt, A Chan
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants
|October 26, 1999
Summary
The Periotest instrument detects abutment screw loosening in dental implants more effectively than manual checks. However, it cannot predict loosening before preload loss, indicating a need for improved diagnostic tools for implant stability.
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology
- Biomaterials Science
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Maintaining abutment screw preload is crucial for dental implant-abutment interface integrity.
- Current methods for assessing screw loosening rely on subjective manual evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of the Periotest device in evaluating abutment screw loosening.
- To compare the Periotest's sensitivity against manual assessment for detecting preload loss.
Main Methods:
- A custom apparatus measured abutment screw loosening after torquing to various levels (10-45 Ncm).
- The Periotest device objectively assessed screw loosening.
- Experienced clinicians provided subjective evaluations.
Main Results:
- The Periotest demonstrated higher sensitivity in detecting abutment screw loosening compared to manual assessment.
- A Periotest value change of 2 indicated the loss of tensile preload in the joint.
- The Periotest could not detect screw loosening before preload was lost.
Conclusions:
- The Periotest is a more sensitive tool than manual evaluation for detecting abutment screw loosening.
- Further advancements are needed for the Periotest to detect early signs of abutment screw deterioration before preload loss.