The Screw Head of the Dental Implant Broke Off. Is This Common? How Difficult to Fix?

Although not considered common I have seen broken implant screws occur from time to time. The interface between implant and abutment (or Implant Post) is retained by a screw that is torqued down to a certain amount of force that is recommended by the implant manufacturer. Assuming that there are no defective parts the specifics of the case must be considered to find out WHY this happened. Did the abutment or Post seat and fit accurately onto the platform of the Dental Implant? If not this could be the reason for Screw head fracture. Was the Implant Crown in a proper bite relationship with the opposing tooth? Additionally, was the right diameter Implant Platform selected? The retrieval of broken Implant Screws can be tricky and challenging. Usually there are specific retrieval kits made by the specific Implant manufacturer. I do not recommend  using a Dental Laser around Implants due to the amount of heat they generate. The retrieval of broken Implant parts takes patience and finesse but can be done in the right hands.

Unfortunately, it sounds like the tiny screw connecting the abutment (post) to the actual implant broke.  This is one of the rare complications we sometimes face in implant dentistry.  Retrieving the remaining screw is tricky.  I imagine your dentist will use a laser to remove any excess tissue and stop the bleeding in the area to get better visibility.  Then he will try to use a micro screwdriver to try and tease the screw out of the implant.   Sometimes it’s very difficult to accomplish this task, hopefully he’ll be successful.  Best wishes to your husband.