Torque Required to Loosen Single-Tooth Implant Abutment Screws Before and After Simulated Function

The amount of torque required to loosen screws from three different antirotational screw-retained abutment/implant combinations was compared (with and without adhesive sealant applied) after 6 kg of force was applied during simulated intraoral movements. Movements were generated over two simulated time periods, representing 1 and 6 months. There was no significant decrease (alpha .05) in the torque required to loosen the screws after either time period when using Calcitek Omnilock or Stryker Minimatic. The Core-Vent Bio-Vent specimens, however, exhibited a significant decrease (alpha .05) in the amount of torque required to loosen the screws at the 1-month test period only. The addition of adhesive sealant significantly increased (alpha .05) the amount of torque necessary to loosen the screws only in the Core-Vent specimens.