Troubleshooting: the 8 most common implant prosthesis problems
A quick symptom-based diagnosis: likely cause, the check to run and the fix — chairside and in the lab.
Chairside
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Screw loosens repeatedly | Non-passive framework or wrong torque | Check seating radiographically, section and solder if needed, re-torque with a new screw |
| Fractured screw | Over-torque, reuse or occlusal overload | Remove with a rescue kit, replace and reassess occlusion |
| Component will not seat | Wrong platform or interposed tissue | Confirm the S.M.P. system in the compatibility finder |
In the lab
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Scan body not recognised | Outdated CAD/CAM library or worn scan body | Update the library and replace worn scan bodies |
| Framework arrives misfitting | Transfer movement during impression | Splint open-tray transfers and repeat the impression |
Frequently asked questions
- Can a worn scan body be reused?
- No. Any wear on the reference facets changes the alignment computed by the software and carries the error into the final framework.