Changes to 3i Abutment Screw for Wide Platform Implants?
Dr. K. asks:
3i has come out with a new kind of abutment screw for its wide platform implants. This screw is longer and wider than the conventional screws used for torquing down an abutment into an implant fixture. I only know about this because one of my patients came in for an abutment insertion and the conventional abutment screw that I attempted to insert was too narrow and just slipped down the screw channel. I did not realize that 3i had made this change in their design of their wide platform implants. What size torque wrench should I use to torque down this larger abutment screw? Do I still torque it to 20NCm?
3 Comments on Changes to 3i Abutment Screw for Wide Platform Implants?
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Anonymous
11/24/2008
I'm not sure what you are experiencing. I'm use 3i's restorative line in most of my cases. The only thing I can think of is that the 5mm wide body implant has an zirconium restortive option that has a specific wide head screw design (something to do with their zirconium interface with the implant.) If you are restoring with zirconium (Zi-Real abutment)a normal 3i screw may slip through. Or, if possible, your lab may have used an aftermarket product that does not fit the 3i design. As for torque, all 3i's internal hex (certain) are torqued down to 20ncm. Check with your rep and I'm sure your issue will be resolved.
omar
11/25/2008
you might have a 3i external hex screw confused with your traditional internal hex screw; they are a little diferent, longer and fatter and that seems to be your issue, if you are using external hex --> 35ncm, internal 20ncm torque.
Dr. N
11/25/2008
3i has not made any changes to their abutment screw. I would advise contacting the rep in your area to get help with this case. I have been restoring 3i implants for 5+ years now, Certain and Ex Hex, and they use different screws. The Zirconium screw is different as well.
