An alternative approach for the management of fractured implant abutment screws on a mandibular implant-retained overdenture: A clinical report.

In contemporary implant and prosthodontic practice, high levels of surgical and biologic success rates have been achieved. However, mechanical and technical complications continue to exist. Of these, one of the biggest challenges to the clinician is the conservative retrieval of fractured screw fragments from within the implants and/or abutments. While removal is desirable, the fragments cannot always be removed, and alternative solutions for the management of such clinical situations must be considered. This clinical report describes the replacement of 2 fractured, irretrievable, Locator abutment screws of a mandibular implant-retained overdenture with a cast dowel and laser welded Locator attachments. This alternative method was successful in managing broken abutment screw fragments while using the existing prosthesis and implants.