RETRIEVAL OF A STRIPPED ABUTMENT SCREW: A CLINICAL REPORT

Mechanical complications, such as loosening or damaging of the prosthetic components of an osseointegrated implant, may occur. Stripping of the implant abutment screw head can be a serious problem which can render an implant unusable. This report describes a clinical situation involving a patient who presented with a fractured screw-retained interim crown. Upon further examination, it was determined that the abutment screw head was stripped. There was limited access and visibility in this situation since the implant was a bone-level implant. The procedure used for the removal of the stripped abutment screw head is described in detail in this clinical report. (J Prosthet Dent 2010; 104:212-215)