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Can You Reuse An Implant With A Broken Abutment Screw?

Views: 222     Author: Dream     Publish Time: 2025-04-06      Origin: Site

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Introduction to Dental Implants and Abutment Screws

>> Causes of Abutment Screw Fracture

Managing Broken Abutment Screws

>> Retrieval Techniques

Reusing the Implant

>> Steps for Reusing an Implant

Preventing Abutment Screw Fractures

>> Case Studies

Advanced Techniques and Technologies

>> Laser-Assisted Retrieval

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

>> 1. What causes abutment screw fractures?

>> 2. Can an implant be reused after a broken abutment screw?

>> 3. What are the common methods for retrieving a broken abutment screw?

>> 4. How do you determine if an implant can be reused?

>> 5. What happens if the implant cannot be reused?

Citations:

Dental implants have become a cornerstone in modern dentistry for replacing missing teeth, offering high success rates and durability. However, like any mechanical system, they are not immune to complications. One of the most challenging issues is the fracture of the abutment screw, which connects the implant to the prosthetic crown. This article explores the feasibility of reusing an implant after a broken abutment screw and discusses various methods for managing such complications.

broken abutment screw

Introduction to Dental Implants and Abutment Screws

Dental implants are titanium posts inserted into the jawbone to support prosthetic teeth. The abutment screw is crucial as it secures the prosthetic crown to the implant. Despite their reliability, abutment screws can fracture due to factors like bruxism, overloading, or manufacturing defects.

Causes of Abutment Screw Fracture

- Bruxism: Grinding or clenching teeth can exert excessive force on the implant, leading to screw fracture.

- Overloading: Incorrectly designed prosthetics or premature occlusal contacts can cause undue stress on the screw.

- Manufacturing Defects: Poor quality screws may be more prone to fracture.

- Improper Fit: If the abutment or crown does not fit properly, it can lead to uneven distribution of forces, increasing the risk of screw fracture.

Managing Broken Abutment Screws

When an abutment screw fractures, it poses a significant challenge for clinicians. The goal is to retrieve the fractured screw without damaging the implant, allowing for its reuse.

Retrieval Techniques

1. Hemostats or Forceps: If the fracture occurs above the implant head, the broken piece can be grasped with hemostats or forceps and removed manually.

2. Ultrasonic Scaler: For fractures below the implant head, an ultrasonic scaler can be used to loosen and remove the screw fragment.

3. Screw Retrieval Kits: Specialized kits, such as those from Nobel Biocare, are designed to safely remove broken screws without damaging the implant.

4. Drilling and Tapping: In some cases, drilling into the screw fragment and using a tapping tool to retap the implant threads may be necessary.

5. Surgical Intervention: If the screw fragment is deeply embedded, surgical exposure of the implant may be required to facilitate removal.

Reusing the Implant

Reusing an implant after a broken abutment screw is generally possible if the screw can be successfully retrieved without damaging the internal threads of the implant. However, if the implant's internal structure is compromised, it may need to be removed and replaced.

Steps for Reusing an Implant

1. Assess the Damage: Evaluate the extent of the fracture and whether the implant's internal threads are intact.

2. Retrieve the Screw Fragment: Use appropriate techniques to remove the broken screw without damaging the implant.

3. Inspect and Clean the Implant: Ensure the implant is free from debris and damage.

4. Replace the Screw: Install a new abutment screw and secure the prosthetic crown.

5. Follow-Up: Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the implant's stability and the patient's comfort.

biohorizons abutment screw

Preventing Abutment Screw Fractures

Prevention is key in managing dental implants. Clinicians can take several steps to minimize the risk of abutment screw fractures:

- Proper Occlusal Adjustment: Ensure that the prosthetic crown is properly aligned to distribute forces evenly.

- Regular Maintenance: Regular check-ups can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.

- Patient Education: Educate patients on the importance of avoiding bruxism and maintaining good oral hygiene.

- High-Quality Materials: Use high-quality abutment screws and prosthetic components to reduce the risk of fracture.

Case Studies

Several case studies have demonstrated successful retrieval and reuse of implants with broken abutment screws. For instance, a study published in the *Journal of Oral Implantology* highlighted the use of ultrasonic scalers in retrieving fractured screws without compromising the implant.

Advanced Techniques and Technologies

Advancements in dental technology have introduced new tools and methods for managing broken abutment screws. For example, the use of laser technology to remove screw fragments without damaging the implant is being explored.

Laser-Assisted Retrieval

Laser technology offers a precise method for removing screw fragments by vaporizing the metal without generating excessive heat or damaging the surrounding tissue.

Conclusion

Managing a broken abutment screw requires careful assessment and technique to ensure the implant can be reused. While various methods are available for retrieving fractured screws, the key to successful reuse is avoiding damage to the implant's internal structure. Clinicians must weigh the risks and benefits of each approach, considering factors like the location of the fracture and the condition of the implant. By understanding the causes of screw fractures and employing effective retrieval techniques, clinicians can optimize the longevity and functionality of dental implants.

biohorizon nobel 1.25 hex abutment screw

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes abutment screw fractures?

Abutment screw fractures are often caused by bruxism, overloading, manufacturing defects, or improper fit of the prosthesis.

2. Can an implant be reused after a broken abutment screw?

Yes, an implant can be reused if the screw fragment is successfully retrieved without damaging the implant's internal threads.

3. What are the common methods for retrieving a broken abutment screw?

Common methods include using hemostats, ultrasonic scalers, screw retrieval kits, and drilling with tapping tools.

4. How do you determine if an implant can be reused?

The decision to reuse an implant depends on whether the internal threads are intact after screw retrieval. A radiographic assessment and physical inspection are crucial.

5. What happens if the implant cannot be reused?

If the implant is damaged during screw retrieval, it may need to be removed and replaced with a new one to ensure proper function and osseointegration.

Citations:

[1] https://www.prosthod.org.tw/doc/mgzp/11-1/apd_mgz_p11-1-1.pdf

[2] https://store.nobelbiocare.com/ca/en/media/eifu/IFU1043_EN_GB_02.pdf

[3] https://www.journalofosseointegration.eu/jo/article/download/502/358

[4] https://www.jscimedcentral.com/jounal-article-info/JSM-Dental-Surgery/Conservative-Retrieval-of-Fractured-Abutment-Screw-%E2%80%93-A-Case-Report-7540

[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDh-a2Wr9fI

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9369788/

[7] https://www.perioimplantadvisory.com/clinical-tips/article/16412202/fractured-dental-implant-screw-complications-3-methods-for-screw-retrieval

[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7zO0FgkqSM

[9] https://journals.lww.com/jpcd/fulltext/2022/12030/retrieval_of_fractured_implant_abutment_screws__a.2.aspx

[10] https://johoe.kmu.ac.ir/article_92713_53e599cbd967e3db29bcb6fe8b00edfc.pdf

[11] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4148504/

[12] https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/24/11846

[13] https://demo.jdmfs.org/index.php/jdmfs/article/view/1558

[14] https://johoe.kmu.ac.ir/article_92713.html

[15] https://actascientific.com/ASDS/pdf/ASDS-08-1856.pdf

[16] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28906502/

[17] https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/15/4/96

[18] https://jdmfs.org/index.php/jdmfs/article/view/1558

[19] https://www.instagram.com/restoresurgical/reel/Cyi1Y1TJkq1/

[20] https://www.shutterstock.com/search/implant-screw

[21] https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=abutment

[22] http://www.implantswiss.com/img/upl/catalog/ImplantswissRemovalHelpKit-0923-2.pdf

[23] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkfPZ1PUSCE

[24] https://journals.lww.com/ijdr/fulltext/2024/35010/management_of_broken_screw_inside_implant_screw.26.aspx

[25] https://burbankdentalimplants.com/how-to-fix-a-broken-dental-implant-screw-a-case-report-burbank-dentist-ramsey-amin-dds-explains/

[26] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDg8br2WNps

[27] https://uniqa.dental/cases/what-to-do-if-the-screw-in-the-implant-breaks/

[28] https://www.realself.com/question/fractured-dental-implant

[29] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCTMhXiEpJU

[30] https://mastrovichdental.com/case-studies/

[31] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_IERY5Y_Rk

[32] https://www.quintessence-publishing.com/anz/en/article/845946/the-international-journal-of-oral-maxillofacial-implants/2012/04/the-effect-of-screw-length-on-fracture-load-and-abutment-strain-in-dental-implants-with-external-abutment-connections

[33] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5644013/

[34] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtvwS0HuUBg

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  +8613631613096
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