If you place implants, you already know how important the restoration is. Screw retained implant crowns demand precision at every step. A poorly fitting crown can compromise the entire case. That is why so many dentists across the country trust a dedicated digital dental lab to handle this work.
Dentek Digital is a digital dental lab based in Phoenix, Arizona. We are a national leader in CAD/CAM dental restorations. Furthermore, we work with dental practices across the country, including dentists in Naples, FL, who want consistently excellent implant results.
In this post, we cover what screw retained implant crowns are, why outsourcing them makes sense, and how our workflow delivers reliable outcomes for your patients.
What Are Screw Retained Implant Crowns?
Screw retained implant crowns attach directly to the implant fixture through a screw access hole. There is no cement involved in the seating process. Therefore, retrievability is one of their biggest advantages.
Because the crown is screw-secured, your team can remove it if needed. This makes maintenance and adjustment far simpler. Additionally, it eliminates the risk of excess cement affecting peri-implant tissue.
How They Differ from Cement-Retained Crowns
Cement-retained crowns rely on dental cement to bond the restoration to an abutment. On the other hand, screw retained designs integrate the abutment and crown into a single unit. This is often called a screw retained implant crown or a monolithic screw-retained restoration.
The key difference is retrievability and marginal control. Moreover, screw retained designs tend to perform well in situations where access and long-term management matter most.
Common Materials Used
At Dentek Digital, we fabricate screw retained implant crowns in several high-performance materials. These include zirconia, PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal), and layered ceramic options. Your choice depends on the clinical situation, esthetic demands, and implant position.
For posterior cases, high-strength monolithic zirconia is a popular choice. Meanwhile, anterior cases often call for layered zirconia or ceramic materials that deliver a more natural appearance.
Why Outsource Screw Retained Implant Crowns?
Fabricating screw retained implant crowns in-house requires advanced milling equipment, scanning technology, and skilled technicians. For most practices, this level of investment is difficult to justify. As a result, outsourcing to a digital dental lab is often the smarter path.
When you work with Dentek Digital, you tap into a full CAD/CAM workflow without carrying the overhead. Furthermore, you get consistent quality backed by a team that focuses exclusively on digital restorations.
Benefits of a CAD/CAM Workflow
CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. It is the technology we use to design and mill restorations with exceptional accuracy. Because of this, we can achieve fit tolerances that manual fabrication methods simply cannot match.
The digital workflow also speeds up production. Additionally, it reduces human error at the design stage. Your cases move from scan to finished crown with greater predictability.
What Dentists in Naples, FL Are Looking For
Dental practices in Naples, FL often serve a demanding patient base. Patients expect esthetic excellence and long-lasting results. Therefore, the restorations you deliver must meet a high standard every time.
Outsourcing to a nationally recognized digital lab gives you access to that standard. Moreover, you do not need to be located near a lab to benefit. Our shipping and digital case submission process makes geography a non-issue.
How Dentek Digital Handles Your Implant Cases
Our process is straightforward and designed to minimize disruption to your workflow. First, you capture a digital scan or send us a PVS impression. Next, our technicians design the screw retained implant crown using advanced CAD software. Then, we mill the restoration and finish it by hand before shipping it to your practice.
Every case goes through a quality review before it leaves our lab. Additionally, we verify implant system compatibility at the design stage. This helps us avoid fit issues before they become clinical problems.
Compatible with Major Implant Systems
We work with a wide range of implant systems. Whether you place Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet, or another major system, our team can design to your specifications. Furthermore, we stay current with evolving implant libraries in our CAD software.
This broad compatibility matters. As a result, you can send us cases across your entire implant patient base without worrying about system limitations.
Scan and Submit Options
We accept both digital scans and traditional impressions. If you use an intraoral scanner, you can submit cases electronically. On the other hand, if you prefer to send a physical impression, we handle that too.
Our team in Phoenix, Arizona supports practices across Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Scottsdale. However, our reach extends far beyond the Greater Phoenix area. Dental practices in Florida, including Naples, rely on us for the same high-quality digital restorations.
Practical Tips for Sending Implant Crown Cases
Sending a clean, accurate case file makes a real difference in turnaround time and fit quality. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when submitting screw retained implant crown cases:
- Capture a full arch scan whenever possible. This gives us the occlusal context we need for proper crown design.
- Include the implant system and platform details in your case notes. The more specific, the better.
- Mark the implant analog position clearly if sending a physical model. This helps our technicians identify the implant site quickly.
- Indicate the material preference upfront. If you have a specific zirconia shade or translucency in mind, note it on the prescription.
- Send bite records when available. Accurate occlusal records reduce the risk of adjustments at delivery.
Following these steps keeps your cases moving smoothly. Furthermore, it helps our technicians design the crown to fit your patient’s unique occlusion from the start.
Why Dentek Digital Stands Out as a National Lab Partner
Dentek Digital was one of the earliest adopters of the digital CAD/CAM workflow in the country. We have spent years refining our process and expanding our capabilities. Because of this, we consistently deliver restorations that meet the expectations of the most demanding dental practices.
We serve dentists across the Greater Phoenix area, including communities like Gilbert, Chandler, and Scottsdale. Additionally, we partner with practices nationwide that value precision and reliability over convenience-based lab choices.
Our Full Range of Restoration Services
Screw retained implant crowns are one part of a broader menu of services we offer. Our lab also fabricates fixed restorations, removable prosthetics, splints, and nightguards. Moreover, we offer advanced services such as TattooTH and digital implant planning.
This means you can consolidate your lab work with a single trusted partner. As a result, you spend less time coordinating across multiple vendors and more time focused on patient care.
Skilled Craftsmanship Meets Advanced Technology
Technology alone does not guarantee a great restoration. Therefore, our team of skilled dental technicians plays a critical role in every case. We combine CAD/CAM precision with hands-on finishing to deliver restorations that look and perform their best.
This balance of technology and craftsmanship is what sets Dentek Digital apart. Furthermore, it is why dental practices across the country continue to choose us as their digital lab partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screw Retained Implant Crowns
What makes screw retained implant crowns retrievable?
The crown attaches to the implant via a screw that passes through an access hole in the occlusal surface. Therefore, a clinician can remove the crown by simply unscrewing it. This makes maintenance and replacement much simpler compared to cement-retained restorations.
Do screw retained crowns require a specific implant position?
Ideally, yes. The implant should be positioned so the screw access hole emerges in an acceptable location. For posterior teeth, this usually means a lingual or occlusal emergence. Additionally, proper angulation improves the esthetics and function of the final restoration.
Can I send cases digitally if I am in Naples, FL?
Absolutely. We accept digital scan files from all major intraoral scanner brands. Furthermore, you can submit cases through our online portal from anywhere in the country. Distance is not a barrier when working with Dentek Digital.
How long does fabrication typically take?
Turnaround times vary depending on case complexity and material selection. However, our CAD/CAM workflow is designed for efficiency. We will communicate estimated timelines clearly when you submit your case.
What implant systems does Dentek Digital support?
We support a wide range of major implant systems. These include Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet, and many others. If you are unsure whether we support your system, contact our team and we will confirm compatibility before you submit.
Partner with Dentek Digital for Your Implant Crown Cases
Screw retained implant crowns require precision, the right materials, and a lab team that understands implant dentistry inside and out. Dentek Digital delivers all three. Moreover, our fully digital workflow means faster turnaround and more predictable results for your practice.
Whether you are based in Naples, FL or anywhere else in the country, we are ready to support your implant cases. Additionally, our team is happy to answer questions about materials, workflow, and compatibility before you send your first case.
Ready to get started? Contact Dentek Digital today and let us show you what a true digital lab partnership looks like.