Solving a Complex Dental Implant Problem: A Case with IntraLok Implants

When dental implants are placed overseas, patients often worry about what happens if something goes wrong years later. Will they find a dentist who understands the system? Will they need to replace the entire implant?

Recently, I treated a 47-year-old lady who came to us with a fractured dental bridge. Her implants had been placed in Thailand many years ago using an implant system known as IntraLok. She had already consulted a few dentists, but her situation became increasingly frustrating as they did not know how to remove the bridge and did not have drivers to unscrew the bridge.

The Patient’s Journey

At her previous consultation, she was told that her implants might need to be removed and replaced—an expensive and invasive solution. The problem? Her dentist could not remove the bridge that had fractured. The patient was understandably upset. She wanted answers, but more importantly, she wanted to preserve her existing implants if possible.

That’s when she found us at Nuffield Dental.

Our Assessment and Diagnosis

On careful examination, it was clear that the implants themselves were healthy and stable. The real issue lay in the bridgework and abutment screws. When I carefully removed the bridge, I discovered that three of the abutment screws had fractured.

This is a common but manageable problem with implant prosthetics. Instead of recommending implant removal, we took a methodical, prosthetically-driven approach to solving the case.

Sourcing the Right Solution

Because IntraLok is not a system that is readily available in Singapore, we reached out directly to the overseas distributor. Replacement screws were arranged to be shipped to Singapore. With the correct components, we could plan to restore the bridge efficiently without unnecessary surgery.

Why This Matters for Patients

This case highlights an important principle:

• Not every implant problem is an implant failure.

• Many issues are prosthetic in nature and can be solved with the right expertise and components.

• Preservation of the original implants saves time, cost, and patient discomfort.

For patients who have had implant treatment abroad, this is reassuring news. A broken bridge or fractured screw does not automatically mean starting all over again.

Take-Home Message

When it comes to dental implants—whether they are IntraLok, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, or any other system—it takes a careful, evidence-based approach to diagnose the real problem.

At our clinic, we take great pride in managing complex implant cases, including those performed overseas. With the right understanding, tools, and global network of suppliers, we can often restore function and aesthetics without removing healthy implants.

If you have an implant bridge that feels loose, fractured, or uncomfortable, don’t panic. There are solutions available—sometimes simpler than you think.