Finding a reliable dental lab for screw retained implant crowns is one of the most important decisions a dental practice can make. For dentists in Los Altos, CA, outsourcing to a national digital dental lab offers precision, speed, and consistency. Dentek Digital, based in Phoenix, Arizona, delivers exactly that.
We are recognized as a national leader in digital dentistry. Our team combines advanced CAD/CAM technology with skilled craftsmanship. The result is implant crowns that fit accurately and look natural every time.
Therefore, if your practice is growing its implant services, partnering with a proven digital lab makes sense. In this post, we cover everything you need to know about outsourcing screw retained implant crowns to Dentek Digital.
What Are Screw-Retained Implant Crowns?
Screw-retained implant crowns attach directly to the implant fixture with a screw. They do not rely on cement for retention. This design gives clinicians a key advantage: retrievability.
Because of this, many implant dentists prefer screw-retained restorations. They allow for easy removal if tissue changes, repairs are needed, or the restoration requires adjustment. This makes long-term maintenance straightforward.
How They Differ from Cement-Retained Crowns
Cement-retained crowns use dental cement to bond to an abutment. They can look very natural, but retrievability is limited. Additionally, excess cement under the gumline has been linked to peri-implant complications.
On the other hand, screw-retained crowns eliminate that cement risk entirely. They are tightened to a specific torque value. Furthermore, they can be removed and replaced without damaging the implant or surrounding tissue.
Common Clinical Indications
Screw-retained crowns work well in a wide range of implant cases. They are especially useful in posterior regions where occlusal access is manageable. They also perform well in full-arch implant cases such as All-on-4 and implant-supported bridges.
- Single-unit implant restorations
- Multi-unit implant bridges
- Full-arch hybrid restorations
- Cases requiring easy future retrievability
- Patients with limited interocclusal space
Why Los Altos Dentists Outsource to a Digital Lab
Los Altos, CA is home to a competitive dental market. Patients expect high-quality care and modern treatment options. As a result, dental practices need a lab partner they can trust to deliver precision restorations on time.
However, not every local lab has invested in full CAD/CAM digital workflows. Many still rely on older analog processes. This can lead to inconsistency in fit, shade, and turnaround time.
Moreover, outsourcing to a national digital lab like Dentek Digital gives your practice access to advanced technology without adding overhead. You simply send us a case, and we handle the fabrication from start to finish.
The Advantages of a Digital CAD/CAM Workflow
CAD/CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In simple terms, it means your restoration is designed digitally and milled by a precision machine. This process removes much of the human error found in traditional hand-waxing techniques.
Additionally, digital workflows allow for faster turnaround times. Cases move through design, milling, and finishing more efficiently. Therefore, your patients spend less time waiting for their final restoration.
At Dentek Digital, we were one of the earliest adopters of the digital CAD/CAM workflow in the country. Our lab in Phoenix, Arizona has refined this process over many years. We bring that experience to every case we fabricate for dentists across the nation.
How Dentek Digital Fabricates Screw-Retained Implant Crowns
Our fabrication process starts with your digital scan or impression. We accept digital scan files from most major intraoral scanners. We also accept traditional impressions and convert them using high-accuracy desktop scanning.
Next, our skilled technicians design your screw-retained crown using specialized implant CAD software. Every margin, contour, and occlusal surface is reviewed carefully. Then, the restoration is milled from a high-quality material block suited to the case.
Materials We Use
Material selection plays a significant role in the long-term success of implant crowns. We offer several proven options depending on your clinical situation and patient needs.
- Zirconia: Extremely strong and biocompatible. Ideal for posterior screw-retained crowns with high occlusal load.
- Layered Zirconia: Combines strength with enhanced esthetic layering for better anterior results.
- PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal): A time-tested option for cases requiring proven durability.
- Full-Contour Monolithic Zirconia: Highly efficient and durable for single-unit posterior cases.
We guide you toward the best material for each case. Furthermore, we stay current with the latest advancements in dental materials science.
Implant System Compatibility
We work with a wide range of implant systems. Whether your practice uses Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet, Dentsply Sirona, or another system, we can accommodate your case. Additionally, we stay up to date on new implant platforms as they enter the market.
Because of this flexibility, practices across the country trust us as their implant lab of choice. You do not need to switch implant systems to work with Dentek Digital.
Supporting Implant Practices with Digital Implant Planning
Beyond fabrication, Dentek Digital offers advanced digital implant planning services. This service helps dentists plan implant placement with precision before surgery begins. As a result, restorations fit more predictably and workflows run more smoothly.
Digital implant planning uses 3D cone beam CT data combined with digital scan files. Together, these inputs allow the clinician and lab to collaborate on ideal implant position from a restorative standpoint. This is sometimes called a restoratively driven approach to implant placement.
For practices in Los Altos and across California, this added service makes Dentek Digital more than just a fabrication lab. We become a true clinical partner in your implant workflow.
What Sets Dentek Digital Apart
There are many dental labs offering implant restorations today. However, not all of them provide the same level of technology, service, and quality. Here is what makes Dentek Digital different.
Early Adoption of Digital Technology
We were among the first dental labs in the country to fully embrace digital dentistry. Our team in Phoenix, Arizona built a digital-first lab culture long before it became the industry standard. Therefore, we have more experience with digital workflows than most labs you will encounter.
Skilled Craftsmanship Meets Technology
Technology alone does not produce exceptional restorations. Skilled technicians are equally important. At Dentek Digital, our team reviews every case with a trained eye. We apply both technical precision and artistic judgment to each restoration we fabricate.
Broad Range of Services
In addition to implant crowns, we fabricate a full range of dental restorations. Our services include fixed restorations, removables, splints and nightguards, and complete implant solutions. We also offer TattooTH, an innovative dental marking solution. This means your practice can rely on a single trusted lab for nearly every case type.
Serving Dentists Nationwide from Phoenix, Arizona
Dentek Digital is proudly based in Phoenix, Arizona. We serve dental practices across the Greater Phoenix area, including communities like Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Scottsdale. However, our reach extends well beyond Arizona.
Dentists in California, including Los Altos and surrounding Bay Area communities, regularly send cases to our lab. Our shipping and digital submission process is straightforward. Additionally, our team is available to guide new partners through the onboarding process.
Because we work with practices nationwide, we understand the demands of busy implant offices. We build our timelines and communication around your schedule, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screw-Retained Implant Crowns
How do I send a case to Dentek Digital from Los Altos, CA?
Sending a case is simple. You can submit digital scan files directly through our online case submission portal. For traditional impressions, we provide shipping instructions. Our team reviews every incoming case and follows up if we need additional information.
What implant scan bodies and libraries does Dentek Digital support?
We support a broad library of implant scan bodies and prosthetic components. Most major implant systems are covered. Additionally, we regularly update our library as new systems are released. Contact us before your first case if you have questions about compatibility.
How long does fabrication take for a screw-retained crown?
Turnaround times vary depending on the case complexity and material selected. However, our digital workflow allows us to complete most single-unit cases efficiently. We provide estimated timelines when you submit your case, so you can plan accordingly.
Can you help with full-arch implant cases, not just single crowns?
Yes. We fabricate full-arch implant restorations, including hybrid prostheses and implant-supported bridges. Our team has extensive experience with complex, multi-unit implant cases. Furthermore, our digital implant planning service can support you during the treatment planning phase.
What makes a screw-retained crown better than a cement-retained crown?
Screw-retained crowns are retrievable, which means they can be removed and replaced without damaging the implant. They also eliminate the risk of residual cement below the gumline. For many implant cases, they offer a cleaner, more predictable long-term outcome.
Partner with Dentek Digital for Your Implant Cases
Your patients deserve implant restorations that fit well, look natural, and last. Dentek Digital delivers exactly that for dental practices across the country, including dentists in Los Altos, CA and surrounding communities.
We bring together advanced CAD/CAM technology, skilled technicians, and a deep understanding of implant prosthetics. As a result, you get restorations you can deliver with confidence and patients who leave your chair satisfied.
Ready to elevate your implant workflow? Contact Dentek Digital today to send us a case or discuss your next implant restoration. Our team is here to support your practice every step of the way.