Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Tape as a Screw-Access Sealing Material in Implant-Supported Crowns

A clear consensus is lacking in the literature regarding the optimal material for sealing the screw‑access channel in implant‑supported restorations. Commonly used materials, including cotton pellets, polyvinyl siloxane, and gutta‑percha, are selected largely based on clinician preference rather than evidence‑based guidelines. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape has emerged as a practical alternative, offering several advantages for sealing the screw‑access channel in screw‑retained implant crowns. PTFE is inexpensive, readily adaptable, easy to manipulate, and maintains dimensional stability even after sterilization. Furthermore, it facilitates efficient screw access during maintenance procedures without compromising the protection of the abutment and prosthetic screw. This technical report describes a straightforward technique in which PTFE tape is utilized as a screw‑access sealing material for screw‑retained implant‑supported crowns, providing clinicians with a reliable and retrievable option for prosthetic management.