Can an implant screw break?

Yes, though rarely, the implant screw (abutment screw) can break. It happens when metal fatigue builds up in people who grind or clench heavily or often eat tough foods. In many cases the restoration feels loose before the screw actually breaks, and if the broken fragment is removed and the screw replaced, the implant body itself can usually be kept. However, if the looseness is ignored, the implant body (fixture) can also be damaged, and then the implant has to be placed again, so come in as soon as it feels loose.