Measurement of loosening torque of prosthetic components in Morse taper connection implants

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this study was to verify two different types of interfaces in Morse taper connection implants, relating the mechanical resistance to a loosening torque that is required to separate or move the prosthetic abutment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten Morse taper connection implants and their respective abutments were divided into two groups (n = 5), DH (double hexagon) interface and OI (octagonal implant) interface. A standard insertion of implants was performed in a stainless steel base, where each abutment received a sequence of two consecutive tightening torques at a 10-minute interval, followed by a loosening torque, which was measured using a digital torque gauge. The Student’s t-test with a 5% significance level was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The results showed a statistically significant difference in the loosening torque values compared with DH torque values (p < 0.05). However, the difference between tightening and loosening torque values was not statistically significant in the OI group (p = 0.465). CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there was a difference in the torque required to loosen the abutment screws between the DH group and the OI group, with the latter showing better results.