Influence of Different Surface Modifications on the Reverse Torque Values of Abutment Screws: An In Vitro Study

Evidence regarding tantalum nitride (TaN)-coated gold abutment screws is lacking, and studies on diamond-like carbon (DLC)-coated and anaerobic adhesive-coated abutment screws remain limited. This study evaluated the reverse torque values (RTVs) of abutment screws with different surface modifications. Sixty abutment screws from the same implant system were divided into five groups (n = 12): gold, TaN-coated gold, titanium, DLC-coated titanium, and anaerobic adhesive-coated titanium. Abutments were tightened according to the manufacturer's recommended torque. Specimens were then subjected to cyclic loading (50 N, 1 Hz, 480,000 cycles) in a dual-axis chewing simulator, after which RTVs were evaluated. ANOVA showed a significant difference only for the uncoated gold screw group (p < 0.05). The lowest RTVs were observed in the gold screws. Although the differences among the modified screw groups were not statistically significant, surface-treated screws demonstrated higher and more stable RTVs than their uncoated counterparts. TaN-, DLC-, and anaerobic adhesive-treated screws exhibited higher RTVs following cyclic loading, suggesting that these surface modifications may enhance screw stability and reduce the risk of abutment screw loosening.