Torqueing cover screw on implant: how much torque?
When you torque down a cover screw on an implant that is fully osseointegrated, how much torque should you use? In the courses I have taken, the speakers recommend using manual torquing for this. If I use a torque wrench set at 10 Ncm that should be enough to insure that the cover screw will stay in place without loosening but still be low enough so I can unscrew it. It would also give me a consistent torque value. What are others doing?
6 Comments on Torqueing cover screw on implant: how much torque?
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Dr. JD
8/6/2013
Firm finger pressure is what I normally use. A torque wrench is good though, but not necessarily required. I hate to have to get out the wrench to remove screws! This is probably not a critical issue as regards successful implant treatment.
DrT
8/6/2013
IO am a strong proponent of the KISS principle...so I have always simply used manual torquing for all my cover screws. I have had 2 come loose in all the years that I have been doing this
Paul
8/7/2013
Why are you placing a cover screw on an integrated implant? Do you mean healing abutment?
Baker Vinci
8/12/2013
You should never have to torque a cover screw. If you have to use anything other than gentle finger pressure, something is not "right ". B Vinci
Richard Hughes, DDS, FAAI
8/12/2013
Baker, you are spot on with this one.
The only abutment or screw that has to be torqued are those involved with the FINAL restoration. DO NOT torque cover screws, healing screws, healing collars or impression abutments.
drshalash
8/12/2013
i once did this and could not unscrew it from the implant..had to remove the whole implant. Would never do it again. Finger pressure is all u need.
