REVIEW PAPER
Torque controllers for implant prosthodontics – types and reading verification
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Katedra Protetyki Stomatologicznej, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Polska
Submission date: 2026-02-23
Final revision date: 2026-03-25
Acceptance date: 2026-06-05
Publication date: 2026-06-14
Corresponding author
Piotr Stendera
Katedra Protetyki Stomatologicznej, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Ul.Binieckiego 6, 02-097, Warszawa, Polska
Prosthodontics 2026;76(2):167-172
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ABSTRACT
Application of the appropriate torque in implant prosthodontics is very important from a clinical point of view. The use of the insufficient torque may result in uncontrolled, spontaneous loosening of the screw that fixate the restoration. Tightening the screw with the excessive torque can result in the mechanical damage (fracture) of the screw or implant. Three basic types of torque wrenches are used in implant prosthodontic - spring-type, toggle-type (friction-type) and contra-angle-type. There are few reports in the literature regarding the possibility of controlling the torque generated by the wrench. Furthermore, according to the popular opinion, after multiple use and sterilization, the wrenches may become decalibrated and their readings unreliable. Furthermore, the implant manufacturers do not provide service for mechanical torque wrenches they sell. This paper presents an own method for constructing simple devices allowing for the verification of torque wrenches with the use the gravity method, considering the specific measurements for each wrench group. Calculation of the torque was possible using a well-known equation. The torque is the product of the multiplication of the measured length of the lever arm and the mass of the weights used for loading. An important issue is the horizontal position of the wrench, which can be checked using a water level. The presented methodology allows for the control the wrenches that have been also frequently applied and sterilized.