Retrieving a "frozen" over-torqued altered dental implant healing abutment: A dental technique

This report describes a method for retrieval of an over-torqued and altered dental healing abutment using a conservative approach with readily available armamentarium. The previously unretrievable prosthetic component had been modified to support an implant crown prosthesis which required replacement. Conventional reverse torque using a prosthetic driver was unsuccessful in removal of the abutment due to damage within the prosthetic channel of the healing abutment. The approach outlined utilized an off-label use of refrigerant spray and #13 Ash extraction forceps for application of reverse torque onto the abutment. The result was a conservative solution for management of an over-torqued and damaged healing abutment using readily available armamentarium.