Bone Healing at Non-submerged Implants Installed With Different Insertion Torques.

Very high insertion torque values have been recommended when immediate loading is applied to implants.1 However, it has been shown that similar clinical outcomes may be achieved even with insertion torque values ≤15 Ncm when implants are splinted together. Due to the contradictory outcomes on the influence of the torque on osseointegration and a lack of histological data in humans, there is a need of more evidences that may support the clinicians in the decision making when an unintentional low insertion torque occur at implants during the daily practice. So the aim of the study i evaluate histomorphometrically the healing at implants installed in Twelve volunteer patients that will be recruited. Two screw-shaped titanium devices will be installed in the distal segments of the mandible using insertion torque values of either <10 Ncm or ~30 Ncm. The implants were left to heal in a non-submerged fashion. After 8 weeks, biopsies will be retrieved and ground sections will be prepared for histological evaluation.

Inclusion criteria

• presence of at least two edentulous zone in the posterior segment of the mandible
• ≥ 25 years of age
• smoking ≤ 10 cigarettes per day
• Good general health
• No contraindication for oral surgical procedures.
• Not being pregnant.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of systemic disorders
• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
• Smokers >10 cigarettes per day
• Previous bone augmentation procedures in the region