Measurement and comparison of reverse torque values of abutment screw in using two types of oil-based and water-based antibacterial agents

Abstract

Introduction: Use of antibacterial agents to eliminate the malodor of implant cavity and prevent peri-implantitis may have influences on detorque values and result in abutment screw loosening. This aim of this study is to assess the effect of Tetracycline and Chlorhexidine gel on the detorque values. Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study was conducted on three groups of five implants. Group G1 was the control group and no material was applied to the implant cavity. In Group G2, implant cavity was first filled with saliva and then with Chlorhexidine gel. In Group G3, implant cavity was first filled with saliva and then with Tetracycline. The abutments were torqued to 25 N/cm2 according to the manufacturer's instructions and were then loosened. Detorque values in each group were calculated. The collected data were analyzed using ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis test. Level of significance was set at P< 0.05. Results: Group G1 had higher detorque value. Group G3 showed the lowest detorque value. ANOVA detected a significant difference in the mean detorque (p < 0.05) values among the three groups. Conclusion: According to this study and others, application of antibacterial agents (to decrease the malodor of the implant cavity) decreases the detorque values and increases the risk of screw loosening. Decrease of the detorque values are more significant in oil-based antibacterial agent(tetracycline). In the current study, Chlorhexidine gel and Tetracyline were not effective as a lubricant because the reverse torque following the use of Chlorhexidine gel or Tetracyline decreased.