Evaluation of the effect of sealing agents on the removal torque values of abutment screws after dynamic loading

Dental implants are a reliable treatment option widely used in the functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of missing teeth. The long-term success of implant-supported restorations depends not only on biological compatibility but also on the mechanical stability of the implant–abutment connection. One of the most common mechanical complications in implant-supported prostheses is abutment screw loosening, which may predispose to both biological and mechanical failures. Therefore, sealing agents applied to the implant–abutment interface are thought to potentially influence microleakage and mechanical stability. In this study, a total of 80 implants and abutment screws were used and the specimens were randomly divided into five groups. While no agent was applied to the control group, the other groups were applied with Elugel (chlorhexidine gel), GapSeal® (silicone filling material), PeriO₃ Oil (ozone-containing gel), and tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅)-based gel, respectively. After tightening to the recommended torque, 55 N force was applied at 1 Hz. for 1×10⁶ cycles. Removal torque values were measured before and after dynamic loading, and torque loss ratios were calculated using the obtained data. Removal torque loss before dynamic loading was significantly lower in the PeriO₃ Oil and Elugel groups. After dynamic loading, removal torque loss was significantly lower in the GapSeal® group compared to all other groups. GapSeal® application may reduce the risk of screw loosening by maintaining implant-abutment connection stability under dynamic loading. The use of such materials in clinical practice may increase the long-term success of implant-supported restorations.