The reverse-torque test: a clinical report.

Reverse torque to failure on implants has been studied in animals. Three implants were reverse torqued to failure in a human volunteer, with failure rates between 45 and 58 Ncm. Clinical data are presented on 404 implants examined after reverse-torque testing and loading, with no increase in failure rates. Reverse-torque testing at 20 Ncm appears to be a safe, reliable method for verifying osseointegration with pure titanium screw-shaped implants.