The effects of pre-tapping on the miniscrew-bone interface in the midface

The effects of pre-tapping on the AO miniscrew-midface bone interface were investigated in 140 methacrylate-fixed human cadaver specimens. An adequate contact was found in all 40 self-tapped and in 68 out of 100 pre-tapped samples. Since inadequate contact was found in the remaining 32 specimens from the pre-tapped group, it was concluded that the pre-tapping was responsible for the inadequate bone screw interface.