J Periodontal Implant Sci.  2013 Oct;43(5):221-226. 10.5051/jpis.2013.43.5.221.

The combined effect of dismantling for steam sterilization and aging on the accuracy of spring-style mechanical torque devices

• Mahshid M
• Saboury A
• Sadr SJ
• Fayyaz A
• Kadkhodazadeh M

• KMID: 2212030
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2013.43.5.221

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to assess the combined effect of dismantling before sterilization and aging on the accuracy (+/-10% of the target torque) of spring-style mechanical torque devices (S-S MTDs).
METHODS
Twenty new S-SMTDs from two different manufacturers (Nobel Biocare and Straumann: 10 of each type) were selected and divided into two groups, namely, case (group A) and control (group B). For sterilization, 100 cycles of autoclaving were performed in 100 sequences. In each sequence, 10 repetitions of peak torque values were registered for aging. To measure and assess the output of each device, a Tohnichi torque gauge was used (P<0.05).
RESULTS
Before steam sterilization, all of the tested devices stayed within 10% of their target values. After 100 cycles of steam sterilization and aging with or without dismantling of the devices, the Nobel Biocare devices stayed within 10% of their target torque. In the Straumann devices, despite the significant difference between the peak torque and target torque values, the absolute error values stayed within 10% of their target torque.
CONCLUSION
Within the limitations of this study, there was no significant difference between the mean and absolute value of error between Nobel Biocare and Straumann S-S MTDs.

Keyword

Dental implants; Safety; Sterilization; Torque

MeSH Terms

Aging*
Dental Implants
Steam*
Sterilization*
Torque*
Dental Implants
Steam

Figure

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  Figure 1 Spring-style mechanical torque devices tested in groups with dismantling and aging, and without. Top: Nobel Biocare, Bottom: Straumann (ITI).

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  Figure 2 The digital torque gauge showing the peak torque at a predetermined target value designated by the manufacturers.

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  Figure 3 The appropriate driver was used to connect each spring-style mechanical torque device to the torque gauge.

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  Figure 4 After connecting the devices to the appropriate drivers, they were clamped in a stable torque gauge.

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  Figure 5 Nobel Biocare mechanical torque device.

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  Figure 6 Straumann (ITI) device.

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  Figure 7 Comparison of the raw error for the two types of spring-style mechanical torque devices in group A (with dismantling of the components). The error bar and 95% confidence interval of the mean raw error for two types of spring-style mechanical torque devices before (r0d) and during steam sterilization cycles, with dismantling of the components and aging (r1d to r100d). The zero level shows the target torque for each group (Nobel Biocare, Straumann [ITI]).

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  Figure 8 Comparison of the raw error for the two spring-style mechanical torque devices (S-S MTDs) of group B (without dismantling of the components before sterilization). The error bar and 95% confidence interval of the mean raw error for two groups of S-S MTDs before (r0d) and during steam sterilization, without dismantling of the components, and aging cycles (r1d to r100d). The zero level shows the target torque for each group of S-S MTDs (Nobel Biocare, Straumann [ITI]).

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