Comparison of Primary Stability of Straight-Walled and Tapered Implants Using an Insertion Torque Device

Purpose: Implant geometry has a major impact on insertion torque values and primary stability, and bone engagement during implant insertion differs according to implant morphology. Primary stability of straight-walled and tapered implants was compared using insertion torque monitoring. Materials and Methods: A total of 57 implants (36 straight-walled OSSEOTITE and 21 tapered OSSEOTITE NT) were inserted in 20 patients. Implant torque values and insertion times were recorded, and the data were processed and interpolated to determine torque as a function of time. Results: Tapered implants required less insertion time and a higher insertion torque than straight-walled implants; this provided better primary stability, although the success rate was 86% for tapered and 100% for straight-walled implants. Conclusions: Tapered implants showed better primary stability than straight-walled implants but had a lower success rate. The authors suggest that in low-density bone, in which only a thin dense cortical layer can contribute to primary stability, a higher insertion torque can lead to the destruction of pen-implant bone, compromising osseointegration. Int J Prosthodont 2012;25:465-471.