Peak insertion torque correlated to histologically and clinically evaluated bone density.

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Accurate assessment of bone density is crucial for successful dental implant placement.
• Insertion torque (IT) is a key parameter reflecting the mechanical stability of dental implants.
• Understanding the relationship between IT and bone density can optimize surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a correlation between dental implant insertion torque (IT) and bone density.
• To evaluate the clinical assessment of bone density during implant site preparation.
• To determine if high IT affects the osseointegration process.

Main Methods:

• Bone biopsies were obtained using a trephine drill during implant site preparation in 18 patients.
• Bone type was assessed via surgeon's tactile sense during drilling.
• Forty implants were placed, peak IT values recorded, and osseointegration evaluated clinically.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant positive correlation was found between bone volume and IT values (r = +0.771, P < 0.0001).
• Mean IT was significantly higher in D1 bone (126.67 Ncm) and lower in D4 bone (40.22 Ncm).
• No significant correlation was found between implant length/diameter and IT across all bone densities.

Conclusions:

• Clinical assessment of bone density is feasible in hard (D1) and soft (D4) bone but less reliable in intermediate densities (D2/D3).
• Increasing peak IT values are directly associated with increasing bone volume.
• High insertion torque does not appear to compromise the osseointegration of dental implants.