title: Removal of a fractured locator abutment screw fragment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although, dental implants have been a predictable option to support several types of restorations, mechanical problems are not uncommon. Retaining and abutment screw loosenings/fractures are one of the most common technical problems.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present a step-by-step technique in order to remove a broken locater abutment screw fragment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 56-year-old, edentulous man with a fractured locator abutment screw in an implant was referred to our clinic from a private practice. His dentist placed a narrow platform locator abutment onto a regular platform implant and the fracture occurred. Attempts to remove the fractured fragment using a periodontal probe and a manual screw removal driver were unsuccessful.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This clinical report presents a situation in which a fractured locater abutment screw fragment was successfully removed using an implant repair kit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A fractured locater abutment screw fragment was successfully removed using an implant repair kit including drills, drill guides and tapping instruments. To avoid similar complications, it is recommended to use appropriate manufacturer specified torque values in conjunction with compatible restorative components.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retaining and abutment screw loosenings/fractures are one of the most common mechanical problems associated with the implant components. This clinical report showed how to remove a broken screw fragment using proper armamentarium and technique, which might help clinicians eliminate similar problems.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, Dental School, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio Texas, USA 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 7912, San Antonio, Texas, USA 78229-3900. Phone: 210-567-5433, Fax: 210-567-6376, e-mail: turkyilmaz@uthscsa.edu.
authors.forename: Ilser
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Turkyilmaz
authors.affiliation: Resident, Department of Periodontics, Dental School, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew Joseph
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Vierra
authors.affiliation: Visiting Professor, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, Dental School, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas USA; Instructor, Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Neset Volkan
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Asar
mesh_terms: D059605:Dental Implant-Abutment Design; D017269:Dental Prosthesis Repair / Q000295:instrumentation; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013499:Surface Properties; D019415:Torque