When your patients need reliable, natural-looking implant restorations, cement retained implant crowns remain one of the most widely used solutions in modern dentistry. They offer a clean aesthetic result and a straightforward workflow for many clinical situations. As a result, dentists across the country continue to rely on them as a core implant restoration option.
However, fabricating these restorations in-house is not always practical. Many dental practices in Manhattan Beach, CA, and beyond are choosing to outsource their implant crown cases to a trusted digital dental lab. This approach saves time, reduces overhead, and delivers consistently high-quality results.
At Dentek Digital, we are a Phoenix, Arizona-based digital dental lab with a national reputation for excellence. We partner with dentists and dental practices across the country to deliver precise, reliable implant restorations using advanced CAD/CAM technology. In this post, we will explain how outsourcing cement retained implant crowns works and why so many practices trust us with their cases.
What Are Cement-Retained Implant Crowns?
Cement retained implant crowns are prosthetic crowns that attach to an implant abutment using dental cement. Unlike screw-retained crowns, they do not require an access hole through the occlusal surface. This makes them a popular choice when aesthetics are a top priority.
They are commonly used in anterior and premolar regions where screw access angles may be challenging. Additionally, they tend to offer a more natural emergence profile in many cases. For these reasons, many clinicians prefer them for certain implant positions.
How They Differ from Screw-Retained Crowns
Screw-retained crowns attach directly to the implant fixture with a retaining screw. They are retrievable without damaging the crown, which is one key advantage. On the other hand, cement retained crowns offer better esthetics in some situations because there is no access hole to conceal.
Each option has its place in implant dentistry. Therefore, the clinical situation, implant angulation, and patient-specific factors all guide the final choice. A skilled lab partner helps you navigate these decisions with confidence.
Common Materials Used
Modern cement retained implant crowns are most commonly fabricated from zirconia or PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal). Zirconia has become the dominant material because of its strength, biocompatibility, and lifelike aesthetics. Furthermore, full-contour zirconia reduces the risk of chipping compared to layered restorations.
At Dentek Digital, we use high-grade zirconia and advanced milling equipment to produce consistent, accurate restorations. Our CAD/CAM workflow ensures that every crown fits precisely and performs reliably in the long term.
Why Outsource to a Digital Dental Lab?
Running a dental practice is demanding. Between patient care, scheduling, and administrative tasks, there is little time left for managing complex lab work in-house. Because of this, outsourcing to a digital dental lab is one of the smartest decisions a practice can make.
When you partner with Dentek Digital, you gain access to cutting-edge technology and experienced lab technicians without the capital investment of building your own digital workflow. Moreover, you benefit from consistent turnaround times and predictable quality on every case.
Benefits for Manhattan Beach Dental Practices
Dental practices in Manhattan Beach, CA, serve a discerning patient base that expects excellent outcomes. Therefore, the quality of your restorations directly impacts your reputation and patient retention. Outsourcing to a national digital lab like Dentek Digital gives you a competitive edge.
Additionally, digital case submission makes the process seamless. You scan, upload, and ship your case — and we handle the rest. As a result, your team spends less time managing lab logistics and more time focused on patient care.
The CAD/CAM Advantage
CAD/CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In simple terms, it means we use digital software and precision milling machines to design and fabricate your restorations. This technology delivers accuracy that traditional methods simply cannot match.
We were among the earliest adopters of the CAD/CAM workflow in the United States. Furthermore, our team continues to evolve with the technology to stay at the forefront of digital dentistry. This means every cement retained implant crown we produce benefits from years of experience and the latest innovations.
Dentek Digital’s Implant Crown Workflow
Our process is designed to be simple and efficient for dental practices. First, your team captures a digital scan or prepares a physical impression of the case. Then, you submit the case to our lab along with the necessary prescription and documentation.
Next, our technicians use advanced CAD software to design the restoration. We review the design carefully before sending it to our high-precision milling units. Finally, the crown is finished, inspected for quality, and shipped back to your practice ready for delivery.
Digital Scanning and Case Submission
We accept both digital scans and traditional impressions. However, digital scanning is the preferred method because it speeds up the process and reduces errors. If your practice uses an intraoral scanner, you can submit cases digitally in just minutes.
Our team is experienced with all major scanning platforms. Additionally, we provide clear submission guidelines so your team always knows exactly what we need. This keeps the workflow smooth and minimizes delays.
Quality Control at Every Step
Quality is not an afterthought at Dentek Digital — it is built into every step of our process. Each restoration is inspected at multiple checkpoints before it leaves our lab. Because of this, you can expect consistent fit, accurate margins, and excellent aesthetics on every case.
We also maintain detailed records for every case we fabricate. Therefore, if any issue arises, we can quickly trace it back and make it right. Our commitment to quality is one of the main reasons dentists across the country continue to trust us with their most demanding cases.
Serving Dentists Across Phoenix and the Greater Arizona Area
Dentek Digital is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and we proudly serve dental practices throughout the Greater Phoenix area. This includes communities such as Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert, as well as practices across the country like those in Manhattan Beach, CA.
Our location in Phoenix gives us access to a strong network of dental professionals and a culture of innovation. Moreover, Phoenix has become a hub for digital dentistry adoption in the Southwest. We are proud to be a part of that growth while also extending our services nationally.
A National Lab with a Local Mindset
Even though we ship cases nationwide, we approach every partnership with the same personal attention we give to our local Arizona clients. For example, when a practice in Manhattan Beach submits a cement retained implant crown case, they receive the same level of care and communication as a practice in Scottsdale or Chandler.
We understand that each patient is unique. Therefore, we treat every case individually rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. This mindset is what sets Dentek Digital apart from larger, more impersonal lab operations.
Tips for Outsourcing Implant Crowns Successfully
Outsourcing implant cases goes smoothly when both the dental practice and the lab follow clear communication habits. Here are some practical tips to help you get the best results from your lab partnership:
- Provide a complete and accurate prescription. Include implant system, abutment type, material preference, shade, and occlusal considerations.
- Use high-quality digital scans. Clean, accurate scans reduce remakes and speed up fabrication time.
- Communicate occlusal needs clearly. Let the lab know if the patient has parafunctional habits or specific bite concerns.
- Submit shade photos when possible. Photos of adjacent teeth help the lab match the crown to the natural dentition more accurately.
- Establish a consistent workflow with your lab. Regular communication and a standardized submission process reduce errors and build a stronger partnership.
Additionally, do not hesitate to reach out to your lab technician with questions before submitting a complex case. A quick conversation upfront can prevent delays and ensure the best possible outcome.
Advanced Services Beyond Implant Crowns
Dentek Digital offers far more than cement retained implant crowns. Our full suite of services supports every area of your restorative practice. Furthermore, our advanced digital capabilities allow us to handle even the most complex cases with precision.
Our service categories include fixed restorations such as crowns, bridges, and veneers, as well as removable prosthetics, splints, and nightguards. In addition, we offer specialized services like TattooTH and digital implant planning. These advanced solutions help practices in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and beyond deliver exceptional outcomes for their patients.
Digital Implant Planning
Our digital implant planning service allows you to plan implant placement with precision before the procedure ever begins. This reduces surgical risk and improves long-term outcomes for your patients. Moreover, it streamlines communication between the surgeon, restorative dentist, and lab.
This service is especially valuable for full-arch implant cases and complex multi-unit restorations. Therefore, if you are handling a challenging implant case, consider adding digital implant planning to your workflow.
TattooTH
TattooTH is one of our most unique advanced services. It allows custom artwork or personalization to be applied to dental restorations. This has become a popular option for patients who want something truly one-of-a-kind.
It is also a great way for practices to differentiate themselves and generate excitement among patients. As a result, TattooTH has become a conversation starter and a memorable part of the patient experience at practices across Arizona and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dental practices outside of Arizona send cases to Dentek Digital?
Yes, absolutely. We serve dental practices across the United States, including those in Manhattan Beach, CA. Our digital submission process makes it easy to work with us regardless of your location.
What implant systems does Dentek Digital work with?
We work with a wide range of major implant systems. When submitting a case, simply include the implant system and abutment details on your prescription so our team can design accordingly.
How long does it take to receive a cement retained implant crown from Dentek Digital?
Turnaround time varies depending on the complexity of the case and submission method. However, digital submissions are generally processed faster than traditional impressions. Contact our team for specific turnaround estimates based on your case type.
Does Dentek Digital accept digital scans from all intraoral scanners?
Yes, we accept scans from all major intraoral scanning platforms. If you have questions about file format compatibility, our team is happy to guide you through the submission process.
What materials are available for cement retained implant crowns?
We offer a range of material options including high-strength zirconia, PFM, and other advanced ceramics. Our technicians can help you select the best material based on the clinical situation and patient needs.
Partner with Dentek Digital for Your Implant Cases
Dental practices in Manhattan Beach, CA, deserve a lab partner they can count on. At Dentek Digital, we combine advanced CAD/CAM technology with skilled craftsmanship to deliver cement retained implant crowns that meet the highest standards. Moreover, our streamlined digital workflow makes it easy to submit cases, track progress, and receive your restorations on time.
Whether you are in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, or across the country in Manhattan Beach, we are ready to support your practice with the precision and reliability your patients expect. Furthermore, our experienced team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance on complex cases.
Ready to get started? Contact Dentek Digital today to send us a case or request a consultation. We look forward to becoming your trusted digital lab partner.