The objective of this study is to evaluate the maximum manual torque of implant abutment among experienced prosthodontists and non-experienced interns from both gender. Material and Methods: Ninety clinicians participated in this study. First group, sixty dental interns (30 males and 30 females) without any clinical experience in implant supported prosthesis. Second group, thirty experienced prosthodontists (15 males and 15 females), they had at least 2 years of clinical experience in implant supported prosthesis. Torque gauge device was fixed to wooden board which is stabilized to the table by holder clasps. Dental implant was mounted to cylindrical iron mold, then the mold was fixed to the torque gauge device. The participants were asked to sit between 7-9 clock position to the device then apply their maximum manual tightening force to torque the implant abutment screw using screwdriver. Three attempts was listed for each participant then the average reading was recorded. Results: The mean of maximum manual torques was 16.75 N.cm. There was a significant difference between males 17.86 N.cm and females 14.34 N.cm, and between prosthodontists 18.69 N.cm and interns 14.81N.cm. Conclusion: The maximum manual torques generated by males were higher than females, and the prosthodontists were higher than the interns. Although they are within the range, they should be motivated to do their maximum manual force to ensure that the components are not under-tightened which will lead to screw loosening.
Evaluation of maximum manual torque of implant abatment