Abutment Screw
The small fastener that secures the abutment to the implant body, transmitting occlusal loads and maintaining the implant–abutment connection.
Full Definition
The abutment screw is a precision-engineered titanium or titanium-alloy fastener threaded into the internal channel of an implant to clamp the abutment against the implant platform. It is tightened to a manufacturer-specified torque value, typically 25–35 Ncm for most systems. Screw loosening and screw fracture are recognised mechanical complications in implant prosthetics. Editors should not confuse the abutment screw with the prosthetic or crown screw used in screw-retained restorations, which serves a different function and may be accessed through a different access channel.
Usage
Usage note: Differentiate from prosthetic/crown screw; the abutment screw joins abutment to implant, while the prosthetic screw retains the crown to the abutment in two-piece abutment systems.
In Context
- "The operative note recorded an abutment screw torque of 32 Ncm, in accordance with the manufacturer's protocol." — Prosthetic placement record
- "The editor noted the author had written 'crown screw' throughout when the clinical context confirmed an abutment screw was being described." — Manuscript editing note