Dental Implant prosthetics rely on accurate torque application. Insufficient torque can result in screw loosening, while excessive torque increases the risk of component damage. Despite routine use, not all torque-limiting devices perform the same.
An independent in-vitro study published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry evaluated the accuracy and precision of dental torque wrenches using different mechanical designs. The study compared spring-style and friction-style torque wrenches from multiple manufacturers under standardized laboratory conditions.
The results showed that spring-style torque wrenches exhibited greater variability between repeated measurements, with deviations that may be clinically relevant. In contrast, friction-style torque wrenches consistently demonstrated lower deviation from preset torque values and improved precision.
Notably, the Surcam friction-style torque wrench delivered torque values closer to the intended setting and maintained stable performance across measurement sessions, indicating higher mechanical reliability within the limits of this evaluation.
For clinicians restoring screw-retained crowns, bridges, or full-arch prostheses, torque accuracy is more than a technical specification — it is a factor that directly affects prosthetic stability and long-term outcomes.
Full abstract available here:
?? https://www.thejpd.org/article/S0022-3913(25)00539-6/abstract