Effects of Aging Torque Controllers on Screw Tightening Force and Bacterial Micro-Leakage on the Implant-Abutment Complex

Aim: We assess the accuracy of torque controllers after several aging processes and the bacterial leakage on implant-abutment complexes (IAC). Methods: A total of 12 spring-type and 12 friction-type torque controllers and 48 IAC (24 conical and 24 hexagonal connections) were evaluated. Chemical, mechanical, temperature, and pressure-aging methods were applied individually to replicate clinical use. Torque controller accuracy was analyzed before and after aging using a calibrated gauge. To assess bacterial leakage, the IAC were suspended in a bacterial medium for 24 h. Direct Contact Test (DCT) and Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (RT-PCR) analyzed the infiltration of F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis into the IAC micro-gap. Results: A significant decrease in torque after 10 days of aging was found. The spring-type torque controller was affected the most, regardless of the aging method (P < 0.05). PCR results indicated that all groups exhibited significantly more bacterial leakage, regardless of the method used (P < 0.05). The conical IAC demonstrated more bacterial leakage of P. gingivalis compared with the hexagonal IAC (P = 0.07). DCT found bacterial growth in the IAC only before aging and was not identified after aging. Conclusion: Aging affects torque accuracy. A reduction in force was noticed after 10 days. The conical IAC exhibits more bacterial leakage, although this was not statistically significant.