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An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
Effect of fluid contamination on reverse torque values in bone-level implants.
Hasan O Gumus1, Mustafa Zortuk, Haydar Albayrak
1*Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey. †Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey. ‡Research Assistant, Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey. §Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
Blood contamination of dental implant abutment screw holes significantly reduces reverse torque values (RTVs). This finding suggests blood may increase the risk of implant screw loosening in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology
- Biomaterials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Screw loosening is a frequent mechanical complication in dental implant prosthetics.
- Understanding the impact of contaminants on screw stability is crucial for clinicians.
- Investigating the effects of blood, saliva, and chlorhexidine on implant abutment screws.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of blood, saliva, and chlorhexidine contamination on the reverse torque values (RTVs) of dental implant abutment screws.
- To determine if contamination affects the mechanical stability of prosthetic components.
- To provide data for improving clinical practices regarding implant screw maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Forty dental implants were divided into four groups: blood, saliva, chlorhexidine, and a non-contaminated control.
- Implant screw holes were contaminated, and abutment screws were tightened to 25 N·cm.
- Thermocycling was performed, and reverse torque values (RTVs) were measured using a digital torque meter.
Main Results:
- All contaminated groups exhibited lower RTVs compared to insertion torque values.
- Blood contamination resulted in significantly lower RTVs (18.950 ± 2.641 N·cm) compared to the control group.
- Saliva and chlorhexidine did not show statistically significant reductions in RTVs compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Blood contamination of dental implant abutment screw holes significantly decreases RTVs.
- Blood contamination may increase the likelihood of implant screw loosening in clinical settings.
- Further research into preventative measures against blood contamination is warranted.
