June, 2020 by Elos Medtech
Updated on August, 2022

Incorrect torque put patients at risk!

Every dentist doing implant prosthetics is aware of the requirements of correct torque levels when placing abutments or super structures and tightening the screw. Too little and you risk the screw loosening; too much and you break the screw or possibly even the implant. Both situations will cause discomfort and in worst case require new implant placement.

Ensure patient safety – but how?

To ensure patient safety, you must comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations in the IFU and make sure that you have the right tools for the job. However, there are many different tools available for controlling torque and not all are equally easy to use.

  • The reliability of accuracy of the torque wrench needs to be in place and ideally not change over time – so you can have confidence in the tool. Always. Depending on the design and functionality of the torque wrench, this is either a built-in feature or a complicated process to maintain. Modern torque-indicating wrenches have few movable components, whereas the click-versions, which you must pre-set to the desired torque level, often need lubrication and calibration to ensure accuracy over time.
  • Proper cleaning every time is a risk topic and with the new MDR it has become even more regulated. The simpler the design of the torque wrench, the higher the probability that the wrench is properly cleaned every time. Apart from the crucial point of ensuring a clean wrench, complexity also adds to the time spent on the cleaning process.
  • Versatility of using the same wrench for both implant surgery and prosthetic handling should not be overlooked. For dentists setting implants, another time saver is being able to use the same torque wrench for placing the implant and setting the (temporary) prosthetic solution. For implant placing, you do not want a preset torque wrench. Instead, you need the ability to have an indication of the torque used to place the implant in the right position. This can be achieved with a torque indicating wrench (arm/scale type). A prerequisite, of course, is that it is also compatible with all the major connection types using standards, such as ISO1797, 4mm square etc.

Your Tool for a Safe and Efficient Clinic 

In any of the above cases, the dentist should be able to trust the torque indicated by the wrench.  Elos Medtech has developed a unique manufacturing process where each torque wrench is individually calibrated during production. This guarantees lifetime functionality without any additional maintenance or calibration apart from the very easy cleaning and sterilization process between uses, which is tied to the simple design comprising only a few components. Using standard connections makes the Elos Torque Wrench compatible with most major implant systems.

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