Abstract
We experienced a patient with a fractured implant body, locating on the posterior partially edentulous jaws after 4 years of functional loading. He recovered by improving the design of superstructure with preserving the implant body. Scanning electron microscopic observation of the fractured part showed evidence of brittle fracture after intermittent vertical pressure. So we suspected the cause of the fracture was concentrating habitual stress on the implant body transmitted by an inappropriately designed superstructure.
It is important to perform prosthodontic design very carefully for a good functional prognosis.
