Salvaging an Osseointergrated Implant after Abutment Screw Fracture- A Case Report

Abstract

The rehabilitation of patients using implants supported prosthesis restores aesthetic and function and preserves the underlying periodontium .Common failure of the implant includes biological and mechanical failure. Biological failures include lack of osseointegration and peri-implantitis. Mechanical failure includes abutment screw loosening or fracture, crown loosening, crown fracture. The most common failure encountered in dental practice is the abutment screw loosening and fracture. Fracture of the implant abutment screw can be a serious problem as the fragment remaining inside the implant may prevent the implant from functioning efficiently. Retrieval of the screw is difficult if the screw fragment is below the neck of the implant and is very small. This case report outlines the management of abutment screw fracture with screw fragment being very small.