Abutment fracture and the technique Used to Remove the fracture portion of the Abutmet: Case Report

Abstract This clinical report presents a case of abutment fracture, due to occlusal overload, occurred with an implant-supported restoration on right mandibular first molar of a female patient. After 6 months of prosthetic reconstruction implants, the patient returned to the clinic due to the loss of implant crown. The fractured fragment of the abutment with the screw protective cotton had remained within the crown of the first molar. A periapical radiograph was taken, which revealed that the base portion of the abutment had remained within the internal hex of the fixture.  After removing the abutment screw, the base portion of the fractured abutment did not move due to the close connection and the presence of Morse taper. After applying the methods explained in previous studies, an ultrasonic tip was used counterclockwise to remove the base segment of the implant. The fractured segment of the implant was removed without destroying the implant. Various factors are responsible for the fracture of abutments, including excessive occlusal forces, implant position, implant diameter, inadequate prosthetic adjustment, prosthesis design, metal fatigue, manufacturing defects and galvanic activity. This paper explains the reasons for abutment fractures and a novel technique used to remove the fractured portion.