Loosening and Fracture of Original Vs. Non-Original Abutment Screws in Implantology: Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Comparing original and non-original abutment screws is essential for optimizing dental implant procedures. Understanding the biomechanical behavior of these components helps clinicians make informed decisions, ensuring implant stability and durability. Complications such as screw loosening and fracture can lead to implant failure, emphasizing the need to identify any differences between original and non-original screws to diminish risks. Additionally, assessing the performance of non-original screws provides valuable insights into their suitability as alternatives, considering factors like cost and availability. Overall, this comparison enhances patient outcomes and improves the reliability of dental implant treatments. The aim of the review is to study the biomechanical behavior and specifically to compare the fracture resistance and loosening incidence between original and non-original abutment screws. Materials and Methods: This review used a systematic approach following PRISMA guidelines, examining studies indexed in major databases such as Medline-PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The focus was on comparing original and non-original abutment screws regarding their biomechanical behavior, specifically their fracture resistance and torque loss. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria; 5 studies on screw loosening, 4 studies on screw fracture and 1 study of both loosening and fracture. Original abutments showed better performance in terms of lower torque loss (20.33%) in respect to non-original abutments (38,87%). Original abutments showed better fracture resistance compared to non-original abutments. Variations in manufacturing standards and compatibility were noted as significant influences on performance. Conclusion: Original abutment screws exhibit better biomechanical stability than non-original ones. This suggests a higher reliability of original components in maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of dental implants. Ensuring compatibility and adhering to manufacturing standards are critical for optimizing implant success.