Accuracy of mechanical torque-limiting devices for implants.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the accuracy of 3 mechanical torque wrenches.


METHODS
The torque outputs of the Nobel Biocare, Straumann ITI, and DynaTorq ITL mechanical torque-limiting devices were determined using a special setup on an Instron test machine. The devices were held in the test setup and oriented so that activation of the drivers caused a pure torsion effect.


RESULTS
Significant differences generally existed between individual units and the target torque levels for the Nobel Biocare torque controller.


CONCLUSIONS
The mean torque values of the ITI and ITL devices were within 10% of their respective target torque levels. Knowledge of applied torque levels to the screws that retain implant abutments and their attached prostheses is necessary to achieve optimal preload. The ITI and ITL devices tested in this study were capable of providing consistent torque at or near their respective targets.


CONCLUSIONS
The torque output of each individual device deviated in varying degrees from target torque values.
Standlee
Jon P
JP
Division of Restorative Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry, Center for the Health Sciences, 90095, USA. standleejnm@hotmail.com
Caputo
Angelo A
AA
Chwu
Ming-ya J
MY
Sun
Tao T
TT
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D003762:Dental Instruments; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D008422:Materials Testing; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013674:Technology, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019415:Torque
D015921:Dental Implants