Retrieval of Cold Welded Dental Implant Cover Screw using a New Technique

Abstract

Background: Cold welded cover screw is a rare mechanical complication. There is barely any literature on the etiology and removal techniques for the same. However, it can pose a serious problem and the screw needs to be removed, without damaging the internal threads of the implant, to initiate the prosthetic phase of implant therapy. Aim: The aim of this paper is to report our experience with the retrieval of cold welded dental implant cover screw. Case description: The present situation illustrates a new technique to retrieve a cold welded cover screw. Conclusion: Removing a cold welded cover-screw from an implant can be difficult. There is no method of screw removal that can be universally applied. In this particular case, the screw was successfully removed using the prescribed technique. Therefore, this new technique may be used when removing a cold welded coverscrew from the implant. Clinical significance: This technique is cost-effective, simple, and applicable to all available dental implant systems and can be effectively incorporated into the clinical situations in which the cold welded screws are not retrievable by conventional techniques.