Abutment Screw Loosening with Biohorizons Tapered Implants?

Dr. G. asks:
I am encountering problems with Biohorizons tapered implants which have been suffering abutment screw loosening. I am currently following exactly the BioHorizon protocols for torquing the abutment screws. This has been a problem for my cemented crowns and bridges. Have any of you been experiencing this problem with BioHorizon? Should I be using the same torque levels in all areas? Do you use the same torquing protocols on short implants?

15 Comments on Abutment Screw Loosening with Biohorizons Tapered Implants?

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Drvg
4/19/2011
30n with Biohotizons torque driver should be ok however their screws do have fewer threads
Dr. Ramirez
4/19/2011
Check your wrench, it may be busted and you feel like it is torquing properly but you are not reaching the right torque. It happened to me twice and it was the sales rep the one who told me about this, since I corrected the problem it hasn't happened again.
Dr.dents32
4/19/2011
Do you take x-ray of your seated abutment ? Do you use original Bio screws and abutments or copy ? I have been placing and restoring Bio TLR since 3 years, at about 150 per year. So far zero screw loosening. The screws are patented (Spiral look something), and with a good calibated wrench (30Ncm) this should no happend. Just my little experience.
dr.hosein akhavizadegan
4/19/2011
6-7 years ago , i have some biohorizone cases (external hex) .the screw loosening was more common than other systems. also i heared this from my colleagues .thus i stopped working with biohorizone.
Ronny
4/19/2011
I too, frequently utilize Biohorizons tapered implants and have had three abutment screws come loose. About 6 months ago, purchased a new torque wrench from Biohorizons and haven't had any problems (yet).
Dr Ramesh Bulbule
4/20/2011
Biohorizons torque wrench need to be recallibrated regularly by the company. this is the only way to ensure that it torques the screws to 30N. More you use it ,more frequently it should be sent to Biohorizons for recallibration.This should take care of your problems. I would also check the occlusal stress distribution pattern of the cemented restorations.Axial loading is crucial. Any non axial load will certainly cause cement failure and screw loosening. Good luck.
sorin hershkovitch dmd
4/20/2011
i had the same problem with a specific case,but there was a fabrication error.the screw was longer by some microns and did not tighten up the abutement to the implant as it should , eventough i reached 30 n.I cut the crown,removed the abutement and everything was redone.The company offered a free abutement but i refused their ridicule offer and stoped working with them.
MNK
4/23/2011
Hi,Check your wrench for need to recalibration. althougt screw loosening depends to many factors,that must be evaluate.
alfonso alvarez
4/25/2011
There are three main reasons for screw loosening. Two of them have alredy be commented above, but there is a biomecanichal problem if the correlation beetwen the implant diameter and the tooth size that is going to be restore. You cannot use small diameter implants for example to restore a molar. You will always have screw loosening independent of the system you use. If you dont have enough bone width, an implant is not indicated in certain cases that we are trying to restore a big tooth. Hope it helps
Mazza
4/26/2011
Please follow these steps: - make sure the platform of implant body and seating surface of the abutment are clear of any debries, irrigate the inernal surface of implant body with chlorhexidine, verify positive seat of the abutment via x-ray perpendicular to the implant body, - while holding the abutment with hemostat (to avoid shear force to crestal bone), torque the screw to 30 NCm, then unscrew the abutment screw, torque the screw again to 30 NCm, you might hear screeching sound as a result of friction of metal on metal, - establish "Implant Protected Occlusion" as defined by Carl Misch, - if the problem persisted, order a new abutment screw and follow the above protocol. Good Luck, Dr. Mazza
alper
5/6/2011
I have had screw loosing problem in many cases and it was really nightmare to solve it.I had to replace the full mouth cemented bridge. It seems that it is more common to see abutment screw loosing in Biohorizons implants than any other implant companies (Nobel, Biomet 3i, MIS,Dentsply Xive and Ankylos). Patented spiralock tecnology and very limited conical connection doesnt seem to be working. Biohorizons must need to replace a new abutment-implant locking system maybe more deep conical connection like Nobel system that changed connection to conical connection recently. Otherwise whatever you do (Tight to 30 Ncm) or whereever u use the implant (noy only single cases)this connection is really not working. You are not the first that encounter more screw loosing with Biohorizons system. U can be sure about this.A few days ago global symposium was held in Phoenix. They talked about only Laserlok technology but nothing about screw loosing. The utmost important problem with Biohorizons system is recurrent screw loosing.
SL
8/16/2011
Just my experience in the last six years of working with 300+ clinicians in Florida placing and restoring BH Tapered Implants. I have never had one screw loosening issue. The bigger issue is lack of proper training. I work with restorative dentists everyday who consider themselves "advanced" and do not know what they don't know. It is dissappointing to see clinicians make claims that are simply not true. BH implants are the most extensively researched systems in the world. If you go to any major meeting in the world the most respected clinical opinion leaders are presenting for BH. As well as all the top courses. Why? BH doesnt have the deepest pockets? Simple. Its the most respected system in the world. Proven to maintain crestal bone, achieve aggressive soft tissue attachment , simple to place and restore. If you are a progressive clinician interested in the latest advancements in implant dentistry and continually attend the top ce courses you will be in an elite league. And certainly not having screw loosening issues.
Dr.H
10/13/2016
I have had 2 BH abutments break off their hexlock at the base of the abutments, like to know if other dentist ,,have had this problem? I am torqueing to 30nm and pt. is wearing NG,these are the new tapered plus implants,very unhappy with this.
Dr Molar
1/12/2017
I've had 4 cases of this happening in the last 10 years. hex shears off and whole crown needs to be remade. I've switched to a different brand and am not having any problems now. fairly arrogant comments from the BH rep from 2011.
Paul D Bederson, DDS, FAG
7/12/2017
I get hex's breaking off too. 3 cases in the last two years. Had to switch companies. Biohorizons won't pay to remake crowns.

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