The Screw in my Dental Implant Has Broken Twice, What's Causing This?

Question

What might be causing this? My dentist and oral surgeon were able to get the first screw out and replace it and now a few years later it has happened again. I am so upset about this and don't know what I should do. The implant looks good and sturdy in xrays though.

Scott H. Pope, DDS, FAGD, FICOI · Answer

Dental implants are designed with safety factors in place.  The screw connecting the implant to the restoration is that safety factor.  If there is too much stress placed on the implant, the screw may fail, preventing further damage to the implant and surrounding supporting structures.  Since this has happened before, there may be too much stress placed on the implant.  I recommend having the implant evaluated for possible options to better distribute the forces involved.

Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD · Answer

The only real reason for multiple screw breakageson the same implant is poor distribution of occlusal forces. In laymans terms this means too much stress (most likley lateral) is being placed on that tooth whenyou chew.  The bite on this tooth needs to be adjusted by your dentist otherwise the implant may fail in the future

Ronald Konig DDS · Answer

This can be a result of several things:

	1) Your bite

	2) The type and size of the implant

	3) The location of the implant in relation to size

	If it is bite related there may be some abnormal stresses placed on the implant.  If the implant is small and is in the back of the mouth, there may be too much "load" on this implant. Finally, the type of implant may have something to do with it too.  Talk to your dentist about these factors.  

	Overall, implants can be highly successful and provide a great service.

	Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF

Edgard El Chaar, DDS · Answer

Usually these fractures are due to a lot of stress on the crown itself. The best approach is to revisit your whole bit design and relieve the tension on the implant.

Zina Kaleinikova, DDS, MS · Answer

All the doctors before me listed all posible reasons why your implant screw is breaking. It looks like there is a problem in biomechanical level. My suggestion is to find an implant prosthodontist ( specialist who specislizes in restoring implants) and I am sure your problem will be solved. Another hint, why don't you suggest your doctor to go from screw retained restoration to cement retained.

	Good luck!

The Screw in my Dental Implant Has Broken Twice, What's Causing This?

Answers (10)

Answer: Screw fractures in implant

Answer: Screw fractures in implant

Answer: Screw breaking

Answer: Screw breaking

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Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

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The Screw in my Dental Implant Has Broken Twice, What's Causing This?

Answers (10)

Answer: Screw fractures in implant

Answer: Screw fractures in implant

Answer: Screw breaking

Answer: Screw breaking

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.