A technique to guide replacement of multiunit abutments supporting an existing implant-supported fixed complete denture

Abstract

This article describes a technique for replacing a fractured multiunit abutment (MUA) supporting an existing implant-supported fixed complete denture (ISFCD) with a custom-fabricated abutment alignment device. The angulated MUA threads that receive the prosthetic screw to secure the ISFCD can become stripped, cross-threaded, or, in some patients, the thin metal in this region may fracture. These conditions necessitate the removal and replacement of the angulated MUA. For many clinicians, replacement of the angulated MUA will be a rare and unfamiliar procedure. One of the biggest challenges is to achieve the correct orientation of the replacement angulated MUA hexagon to the supporting implant's internal hexagon. This technique aids the accurate indexing of the current angulated MUA position and replacement with a new angulated MUA without a trial-and-error approach involving multiple insertions and tightening of the abutment screw.