| 1 | Manual Hex Driver | Internal hexagonal tip | Cover screws, healing abutments, and prosthetic screws | A hand-operated driver used to engage an internal hex recess and turn a compatible implant component during placement or removal. | Finger pressure; final tightening should use a calibrated torque instrument when specified. | Use validated cleaning and steam-sterilization procedures suitable for reusable dental instruments. |
| 2 | Long-Reach Hex Driver | Extended internal hex tip | Deep, angled, or tissue-restricted posterior access | Provides additional reach where a short driver cannot align with the prosthetic screw without contacting surrounding anatomy. | Maintain axial alignment; avoid lateral loading that can damage the recess or tip. | Inspect the slender shaft and tip for bending, wear, or deformation after each cycle. |
| 3 | Torque-Controlled Driver | Interchangeable system-specific tip | Definitive abutment and prosthetic screw tightening | Transfers a controlled tightening force to help achieve the screw preload recommended for the compatible implant connection. | Use the torque value stated for the specific implant system; do not assume one universal value. | Verify calibration according to the instrument’s instructions and keep detachable tips clean. |
| 4 | Ratchet-Compatible Driver | Ratchet or torque-wrench shank | Manual tightening in implant and prosthetic procedures | Connects to a compatible wrench or ratchet, allowing controlled rotation in confined oral working areas. | Use only with a compatible torque wrench when a specified tightening torque is required. | Check the connection shoulder and retention mechanism for debris or distortion. |
| 5 | Machine-Compatible Driver | Low-speed contra-angle shank | Laboratory or selected clinical screw manipulation | Fits a compatible handpiece for efficient rotation, but it must be used within the approved speed and torque limits. | Avoid uncontrolled power tightening; use a calibrated manual torque device for final seating when required. | Follow the handpiece and driver manufacturer’s cleaning, lubrication, and sterilization requirements. |
| 6 | Ball-End Angled Driver | Angulated ball-end hex tip | Limited-angle access and angled prosthetic restorations | Allows engagement when the handle cannot be positioned perfectly in line with the screw axis, within the permitted angular range. | Use only for systems designed for angled engagement; excessive angulation may strip the screw recess. | Examine the ball end carefully because rounding or wear can reduce engagement security. |
| 7 | Star- or Lobed-Interface Driver | Internal star or lobed profile | Implant systems using a proprietary or non-hexagonal screw recess | Transfers rotational force through a star-shaped or lobed interface designed to match the corresponding prosthetic screw. | The tip profile must match exactly; do not substitute a hex driver for a star or lobed interface. | Keep the recess and driver free of blood, cement, and debris to ensure full seating. |
| 8 | Screw-Retention Driver | Internal tip with retention feature | Small screws in narrow or difficult-to-access sites | Helps retain a prosthetic screw on the driver during transfer and initial placement, reducing the risk of dropping the screw. | Retention supports handling but does not replace the specified final torque procedure. | Inspect magnets, sleeves, or retaining elements where present; replace worn components. |
| 9 | Laboratory Restoration Driver | System-specific hex or lobed tip | Abutment adjustment, framework fitting, and prosthetic laboratory work | Supports repeated screw manipulation during fabrication and checking of implant-supported restorations outside the patient’s mouth. | Use for fitting and adjustment only unless the instrument is explicitly rated for clinical torque delivery. | Keep laboratory and clinical instruments clearly separated to reduce cross-contamination risk. |
| 10 | Retrieval and Removal Driver | Reversible or reinforced system-specific tip | Removal of healing components, abutments, and prosthetic screws | Provides controlled reverse rotation for component removal while minimizing damage to the implant connection and screw recess. | Apply steady axial pressure; stop if the screw is damaged, seized, or inadequately engaged. | Check the tip for distortion after high-resistance removal and discard damaged instruments. |