Your Implants Are Screwed!-Your Implants Are Screwed!

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar, presented by Dr. Sohn McLaughlin, focused on the mechanics, complications, and management of implant abutment screws. He explained that screw loosening is one of the most common implant complications and is often more frequent than fracture. The lecture reviewed screw anatomy (head, shank, threads), materials such as commercially pure titanium and titanium alloy, and differences between clinical and lab screws. Dr. McLaughlin emphasized the importance of using the correct driver and matching the screw to the implant system, especially in inherited or third-party cases.<br /><br />He discussed the forces acting on screws, especially preload, clamping forces, and joint-separating forces, and how embedment relaxation, occlusion, implant design, and provider technique can lead to loosening. He also covered torque protocols, noting that proper torque application, driver maintenance, and re-torquing after initial settling are important, though there is no universal protocol.<br /><br />A major portion of the talk addressed screw fractures and retrieval. He described a classification system for fractures involving the screw head, shank, and threads, and shared practical methods for removing stripped or fractured screws, including alternative drivers, Teflon, resin, slot cutting, and retrieval kits. His main clinical recommendation was simple: if a screw becomes loose, replace it rather than repeatedly reusing it, and evaluate the underlying cause. He concluded by stressing manufacturer-specific guidance, careful technique, and readiness to manage complications.

Asset Caption

Description This course will help clinicians become familiar with the smallest and weakest component of dental implants: the screw. Learning to recognize and become familiar with this integral but often overlooked aspect of our dental implants will help clinicians gain a broader understanding of the overall implant complex. The course will also discuss troubleshooting of loose or stripped implant screws. Learning Objectives Understand the differences between clinical and lab screws and when to use each. Review different coatings and torque values and why they matter. Discover various techniques for handling issues with implant screws. Speaker Bio Sloan McLaughlin, DMD, Dip ABP, attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 2006. He completed a 12-month advanced education in general dentistry program at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, a program for which he later served as a mentor. He completed his prosthodontic residency in 2012 and boards in 2013. He managed day-to-day operations of the Army’s only full-service lab for five years. In October 2023 he became a mentor and assistant program director in prosthodontics. McLaughlin has been married for 13 years and has three children. Additional Information This course is brought to you by Region 17.

Keywords

implant abutment screws

screw loosening

preload

torque protocols

screw fracture

screw retrieval

titanium alloy

implant complications

driver compatibility

manufacturer-specific guidance