Implant screw mechanics and the settling effect: overview.
One of the most serious and prevalent problems associated with the restorative aspect of dental implants is loosening and fracturing of screws. Implant screws should be retightened 10 minutes after the initial torque application as a routine clinical procedure to help compensate for the settling effect. Mechanical torque gauges should be used instead of hand drivers to ensure consistent tightening of implant components to torque values recommended by implant manufacturers.
Winkler
Sheldon
S
Temple University School of Dentistry, 3223 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140-5096, USA. swinkdent@aol.com
Ring
Karla
K
Ring
Jamie D
JD
Boberick
Kenneth G
KG
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000295:instrumentation; D015921:Dental Implants; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D006801:Humans; D019415:Torque
D015921:Dental Implants