Dental implant restorations have advanced significantly over the past decade. Today, dentists have more options than ever for delivering secure, aesthetic, and functional results. Screwmentable implant crowns represent one of the most versatile and reliable solutions available in modern implant dentistry.
At Dentek Digital, we fabricate high-quality screwmentable implant crowns using advanced CAD/CAM technology. Our Phoenix, Arizona lab partners with dentists and dental practices who demand precision, consistency, and craftsmanship in every restoration.
Whether you are restoring a single implant or managing a complex case, understanding this restoration type can help you make better decisions for your patients. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
What Are Screwmentable Implant Crowns?
Screwmentable implant crowns combine the benefits of two traditional retention methods. Specifically, they merge screw-retention and cement-retention into a single, hybrid design.
The crown is cemented onto a custom abutment outside of the mouth. Then, the entire unit is screwed into the implant fixture using a central access hole. This approach gives clinicians the best of both worlds.
How the Design Works
First, a custom titanium or zirconia abutment is milled to fit the implant precisely. Next, the crown is cemented to the abutment in a controlled, extraoral environment. Finally, the assembled restoration is torqued into place using a screw through a small access hole in the crown.
Because cementation happens outside the mouth, excess cement is easy to remove. This reduces the risk of subgingival cement retention, which is a known complication in implant cases.
Key Advantages for Dentists
- Retrievability: The screw can be loosened if the restoration needs adjustment or replacement.
- Cleaner margins: Extraoral cementation eliminates the risk of subgingival cement remnants.
- Aesthetic flexibility: The crown can be designed and shaded without the constraints of a screw-access hole in a visible area.
- Strong retention: The combination of cementation and screw torque provides excellent stability.
- Simplified seating: Chairside delivery is often more straightforward than with fully cemented implant crowns.
Additionally, screwmentable designs work well across a range of implant systems and angulations. This makes them a practical choice for many clinical situations.
Why CAD/CAM Technology Matters for Screwmentable Crowns
Precision is everything in implant dentistry. Even small inaccuracies in fit or margin adaptation can lead to complications over time. Therefore, digital fabrication is not just a convenience — it is a quality standard.
At Dentek Digital, we use industry-leading CAD/CAM software and milling technology to design and fabricate every restoration. Our workflow begins with a digital scan or impression data submitted by your practice. From there, our technicians design the abutment and crown with exacting accuracy.
The Digital Workflow Advantage
Digital design allows us to control every aspect of the restoration. For example, we can optimize margin placement, emergence profile, and occlusal contacts before a single block of material is milled.
Moreover, our digital workflow reduces human error at every step. Because each component is designed virtually and milled under precise conditions, the final result is highly predictable. Dentists across the Greater Phoenix area, from Scottsdale to Chandler, rely on this consistency for their most demanding implant cases.
Materials We Use
We work with a range of high-quality materials suited for screwmentable restorations. These include:
- Zirconia: Excellent strength and aesthetics, ideal for posterior and anterior cases.
- Lithium disilicate: Outstanding translucency and natural appearance for aesthetic zones.
- PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal): A reliable option for cases requiring maximum durability.
- Titanium abutments: Biocompatible, strong, and compatible with most major implant systems.
We also offer custom-shaded restorations to match each patient’s natural dentition. Our lab team applies layered characterization techniques that reflect the natural variation of real teeth.
Serving Dentists Across the Greater Phoenix Area
Dentek Digital is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and we are proud to serve dental practices throughout the region. We work with dentists in Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and communities across the Valley.
Our lab has been at the forefront of digital dentistry since the early days of CAD/CAM adoption. As a result, we have built deep expertise across a wide range of implant restoration types — including screwmentable designs.
A True Lab Partnership
We do not just fabricate restorations. We partner with dental teams to support better patient outcomes. Our technicians are available to consult on case design, material selection, and workflow optimization.
Furthermore, we understand that every practice has unique needs. Whether you are a solo practitioner in Gilbert or a multi-doctor group in Scottsdale, we tailor our communication and turnaround to fit your workflow.
When you send us a case, you can expect clear communication, accurate restorations, and timely delivery. We take pride in the reliability that practices across the Greater Phoenix area have come to depend on.
When to Choose a Screwmentable Implant Crown
Not every implant case calls for the same restoration type. However, screwmentable crowns are an excellent choice in many common clinical scenarios.
Ideal Clinical Situations
- Implants placed at angles that make screw access difficult from an aesthetic standpoint
- Cases where retrievability is a priority, such as patients with parafunctional habits
- Situations where subgingival cement control is a concern
- Restorations in the anterior zone where screw-access holes would compromise aesthetics
- Practices looking to streamline implant delivery while maintaining flexibility
On the other hand, fully screw-retained crowns may be preferred when implant angulation allows ideal access hole placement. Your clinical judgment and the patient’s anatomy should always guide the restoration choice.
Communication Between Dentist and Lab
Clear case documentation makes a significant difference in outcomes. When submitting a screwmentable case, include accurate implant system information, scan body data, and shade information. Also, share any notes about emergence profile preferences or occlusal concerns.
Because our team designs each restoration digitally, we can flag potential issues before fabrication begins. This collaboration helps avoid remakes and keeps cases moving efficiently.
What Sets Dentek Digital Apart
We were among the earliest dental labs in the country to adopt a fully digital CAD/CAM workflow. This head start gave us years of experience that translates directly into better restorations for your patients.
Our team combines advanced technology with skilled, hands-on craftsmanship. Every restoration that leaves our lab has been reviewed for fit, aesthetics, and accuracy. We do not cut corners, and we do not compromise on quality.
In addition to screwmentable implant crowns, we offer a full range of services including fixed restorations, removables, splints and nightguards, and advanced digital implant planning. We also offer TattooTH, an innovative solution for implant identification.
Practices in Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and across the Greater Phoenix area trust Dentek Digital because we deliver results they can count on — case after case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screwmentable Implant Crowns
What makes screwmentable crowns different from fully cemented or fully screw-retained crowns?
Screwmentable crowns combine both methods. The crown is cemented to a custom abutment extraorally, then the unit is screwed into the implant. This gives you the aesthetics of a cemented crown with the retrievability of a screw-retained restoration.
Are screwmentable implant crowns retrievable?
Yes. Because the abutment-crown unit is retained by a screw, the restoration can be removed if needed. However, retrievability depends on how the crown was cemented and the clinical condition at the time of removal.
Which implant systems are compatible with screwmentable designs?
Most major implant systems are compatible with screwmentable restorations. At Dentek Digital, we work with a wide range of implant platforms. Submitting accurate scan body and implant system information with your case ensures the best fit.
How long does it take to receive a screwmentable crown from Dentek Digital?
Turnaround times vary based on case complexity and current lab volume. We work efficiently to meet your scheduling needs. Contact our team to discuss timelines for your specific case.
What information do I need to send with a screwmentable implant case?
You will need to provide the implant system and connection type, a digital scan or physical impression, shade information, and any notes about emergence profile, occlusal contacts, or aesthetic preferences. The more detail you provide, the better we can serve you.
Partner With Dentek Digital for Your Implant Restorations
High-quality implant restorations start with a high-quality lab partner. At Dentek Digital, we bring advanced CAD/CAM technology, deep clinical knowledge, and genuine craftsmanship to every case we build.
Our screwmentable implant crowns are fabricated with precision and care, giving your patients restorations that fit, function, and last. We are proud to serve dental practices throughout the Greater Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, and Chandler.
Ready to elevate your implant workflow? Contact Dentek Digital today to send us a case or to discuss your next implant restoration with our experienced lab team. We look forward to partnering with you.