BACKGROUND

Primary implant stability is a critical factor for successful osseointegration and long-term implant success. This study investigates the impact of drilling protocol modifications on primary stability, considering different bone qualities and implant macro-designs, lengths, and diameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three implant designs-two parallel-walled and one tapered-were tested with diameters ranging from 3.4 to 5.2 mm and lengths from 7.5 to 14.5 mm. Implants were placed in polyurethane foam blocks simulating different bone densities (10, 15, 25, and 35 PCF). A standard drilling protocol was used in all groups, with modifications based on bone quality: overpreparation in dense bone and underpreparation in softer bone. Primary stability was evaluated using insertion torque (IT). The optimal IT range was defined as 25-50 Ncm, based on clinical guidelines for immediate loading. The influence of drilling protocol adaptations on stability parameters was assessed.

RESULTS

Insertion torque was primarily influenced by bone density and implant diameter, with implant length playing a minor role. In dense bone (D1, D2), underpreparation improved torque values, especially in smaller implants, while overpreparation reduced them. The highest torques occurred with 5.2 mm implants, sometimes exceeding 80 Ncm. Standard protocols did not consistently achieve optimal torque across implant types. In soft bone (D3), underpreparation-particularly with tapered implants-was modestly beneficial. In very soft bone (D4), none of the protocols reliably reached the desired torque range.

CONCLUSIONS

Adapting drilling protocols to bone density improves insertion torque, especially with wider implants and in denser bone. Underpreparation is generally more effective than overpreparation. However, in very soft bone, neither implant geometry nor drilling adaptations reliably achieve optimal primary stability, highlighting the need for additional strategies.