A Measurement of Torque Values Obtained With Hand‐Held Drivers in a Simulated Clinical Setting

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study measures the amount of torque that can be applied to the heads of implant screws via hand-held drivers and wrenches in a simulated clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty second-year dental students applied their maximum controlled torque to the head of a hex instrument attached to a Tonichi torque gauge mounted in a mannequin. The torque values obtained were recorded, and a mean torque value was calculated RESULTS; The mean torque value obtained in this study was 11.55 N.cm. CONCLUSIONS: Small-diameter, 10 N.cm gold screws can be adequately tightened with manufacturer-supplied instrumentation. Larger screws requiring more than 10 N.cm of torque cannot be tightened manually using currently available hand-held screwdrivers and hand wrenches.