Comparing Original and Universal Screwdrivers and How They Affect Friction in the Screw

The present study focused on investigating whether universal screwdriver kits cause less friction between the screwdriver and the abutment screw than original screwdrivers. For this purpose, 2 original screwdrivers (Straumann and BEGO) and a universal screwdriver kit (bredent) were investigated. On 1 implant per screwdriver, 26 abutments were properly attached one after the other with the corresponding abutment screws. After tightening the abutment screw, the force required to pull the screwdriver off the screw head was determined with a spring balance. For both manufacturers, greater pull-off forces were measured when using the original screwdrivers than when using the universal screwdriver. The pull-off force (mean ± SD) required for the Straumann original screwdriver was 3.7 ± 1.4 N, while that required for the universal screwdriver was 0.1 ± 0.1 N (P < .001). The pull-off force was 1.5 ± 1.5 N for the BEGO original screwdriver and 0.7 ± 0.9 N for the universal screwdriver (P = .19). Using original manufacturer-supplied screwdrivers could thus minimize the risk of the screwdriver slipping out of the screw head during dental treatment and being swallowed or aspirated by the patient.

[Comparison of original and universal screwdrivers: Damage to the surface of the socket within the screw head of the abutment screw]

The aim of the study was to investigate the potential damage the usage of universal screwdrivers could cause to the abutment screw. In this study the original versus the universal screwdriver have been compared. 26 original abutment screws, 13 from Straumann and 13 from BEGO, were screwed in with the original and the universal screwdriver. For optical evaluation, the potential damage to the screw head was documented in two different areas. For this purpose, photos were taken with a scanning electron microscope. At Straumann, surface damage was only seen in area 1 (top of the screw head) when using the universal screwdriver. BEGO showed surface damage in area 1 regardless of which screwdriver was used and in area 2 (bottom of the screw head) when using the universal screwdriver. It can be assumed that the use of the original screwdriver might cause little or no damage to the screw heads. In contrast, based on the SEM images, it can be assumed that the surface can be damaged when using the universal screwdriver.

Efficacy and tolerability of bromelain in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis--a pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and impact on quality of life (QoL) of bromelain tablets (500 FIP) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

METHODS

In this prospective, open-label observational pilot study, 12 patients suffering from CRS with (CRS+NP) or without (CRS-NP) nasal polyps who had undergone prior sinus surgery were treated with bromelain tablets (500 FIP) for three months. Efficacy was evaluated using symptom scores (Total Symptom Scores: TSS); a Total Rhinoscopy Score (TRS) was also determined. QoL was assessed by using the German, adapted version of the Sinonasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20 GAV).

RESULTS

Treatment with bromelain tablets (500 FIP) improved TSS, TRS and SNOT-20 GAV on average. This treatment was found to be more effective, however, for CRS-NP than for CRS+NP. The average intake was six tablets, equivalent to a daily dosage of 3000 FIP. No adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results indicate good tolerability, symptom control, and improvement in QoL for the treatment of CRS using bromelain tablets (500 FIP).