Thomas, a dentist, asks:

I torqued a transfer impression coping to 20 Ncm as per directions from the dental implant manufacturer. The transfer coping screw had an internal hex in its head. After making my impression index, I attempted to unscrew the transfer coping screw. The angles of the internal hex rounded off and I could not engage the internal hex with the torque wrench. Has this ever happened to anybody? What did you do to get it out?

 

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10 Responses to “ Unscrew the Transfer Coping Screw? ”

  • Dr m c February 20th, 2007

    I managed to round off the internal shape of a Straumann healing cap, about 8 years ago. I solved it by very carefully cutting a screw head shape into the remaining metal and then using a watchmaker’s screwdriver to remove the cap.

    You possibly need to combine your skills and thinking with that of an engineer who has snapped off a stud in an engine block.

  • Marc A. Cohen February 20th, 2007

    Make sure it is not your hex driver that has rounded off. I have replaced a number of drivers due to rounding of the hex but never had an impression coping screw rounded out. Try a new driver to verify this.

  • Lee Baker February 20th, 2007

    I once rounded off the internal hex of an abutement when I was removing a porcelain/metal crown from the implant abutement. (Diamond too close to the hex). Most implant vendors have a ‘easy-out’ type of instrument very similiar to what mechanics/plumbers/etc use to remove broken screws. Basically, it’s a left hand thread that engages the stipped hex when you turn the wrench counter-clockwise. Works like a charm. About fifty bucks.

    Per the above post, also check your driver first.

  • dr.Stangegaard DK February 20th, 2007

    Try an new sharp rosenbur in slow but high torque in a reversed mode, it will often do the trick.

  • piezo1 February 21st, 2007

    It happened to me two days ago!
    I managed to cut the head of the transfer with a diamond bur, leaving intact the internal screw.
    Then, with a universal clamp, i could easily unscrew the transfer.

  • Dennis February 21st, 2007

    Isn’t it unusual to torque an impression coping/transfer screw to 20Ncm?
    The information I pass on to my accounts (also from the implant manufacturers) is to secure the screw with finger pressure only.
    The various solutions posted are well worth remembering and I will pass those on as needed.

  • Dale February 21st, 2007

    I agree. I would never torque an impression pin. It is not necessary. Secondly, Hex drivers are not all a like. Some only have a milimeter of hex, others 2mm of hex. Off brands usually are smaller and do not fully engage the female screw hex.

  • Dale February 27th, 2007

    Lee, I have also used the “easy out” they do work in most situations.

  • Jim Sylvester February 28th, 2007

    The rosenbur idea sounds interesting. What is a rosenbur, anyway?

  • ira dickerman, cdt October 19th, 2007

    Just to be sure not to overlook the obvious, the Straumann System uses a Straumann SCS Driver. It may seem compatible with an .048 internal hex driver but it is not. It is also not compatible with Nobel Replace Select system


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Thu August 07 2008

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