Device for easily measuring of the torque of an implant hand driver

Abstract

Background: As one of the loads applied in implant dentistry, managing the torque is important for the success of an implant treatment. For this purpose, it is crucial to ascertain the level of torque being exerted with a hand driver. We have developed an adapter that makes it easy to measure torque by using a standard torque wrench in one’s possession, rather than with a torquemeter. Procedures: The head of an abutment screw is cut into a hexagon and pushed into and fixed to the hexagonal hole (for multi-unit abutments) of a machine driver. With this, a torque wrench adapter and torque wrench are assembled. A hand driver is rotated clockwise to the limit, and the torque value is read. Results: It was possible to read the torque value during screw fastening. Conclusions: This technique makes it easy for each dentist to measure the maximum torque that can be exerted by a hand driver he or she is using. It is even possible to handle different implant systems.