Dental implant restorations have come a long way. Today, screw retained implant crowns are one of the most reliable and retrievable options available to restorative dentists. They offer a cleaner connection to the implant body and make future access far simpler than cement-retained alternatives.
At Dentek Digital, we fabricate screw retained implant crowns using advanced CAD/CAM technology from our lab in Phoenix, Arizona. We serve dentists and dental practices across the Greater Phoenix area — including Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Scottsdale — and partner with dental professionals nationwide.
In this post, we cover what screw retained implant crowns are, why they matter, and how working with a digital dental lab partner can elevate your implant outcomes.
What Are Screw Retained Implant Crowns?
A screw retained implant crown attaches directly to the implant fixture using a screw. There is no cement involved. The crown sits on an abutment or connects directly to the implant platform, and a screw passes through an access hole to lock it in place.
This design gives the dentist a significant advantage. Additionally, it allows for retrieval if the restoration ever needs adjustment or repair. Because of this, many clinicians prefer screw retained designs for posterior and full-arch cases.
Screw Retained vs. Cement Retained: What’s the Difference?
Cement retained crowns use dental cement to secure the restoration to an abutment. They can look very natural. However, excess cement below the gumline is a known risk factor for peri-implant complications.
Screw retained crowns eliminate that concern entirely. Therefore, they are often the preferred choice in implant-forward practices focused on long-term tissue health. Both options have merit, but screw retained designs offer a level of control that many clinicians value.
When Is a Screw Retained Crown the Right Choice?
Screw retained crowns work best in specific clinical situations. Here are the most common scenarios where this design makes sense:
- Limited interocclusal space — where a cemented abutment-and-crown combination may not fit
- Implants placed in ideal angulation — allowing the screw access hole to emerge in a non-visible area
- Full-arch restorations — such as implant-supported bridges or All-on-X cases
- High-maintenance patients — where retrievability is a long-term priority
- Posterior single units — where aesthetics are less critical and function is the priority
Furthermore, screw retained designs are easier to manage in cases where future prosthetic changes are anticipated. Your lab partner plays a key role in engineering these restorations correctly from the start.
The Role of a Digital Dental Lab in Screw Retained Crown Fabrication
The quality of a screw retained implant crown depends heavily on the lab that fabricates it. Moreover, the digital workflow makes precision far more achievable than traditional analog methods.
At Dentek Digital, we use CAD/CAM technology to design and mill crowns with exceptional accuracy. Our digital process begins with the scan data you send us and ends with a restoration that fits predictably at delivery.
CAD/CAM Technology and Implant Restorations
CAD/CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In simple terms, we use specialized software to design your patient’s crown digitally. Then, we use precision milling machines to fabricate it from high-quality materials.
This process reduces human error significantly. As a result, fit and function are more consistent across every case we handle. For screw retained crowns, this precision matters even more — because the screw channel must align perfectly with the implant axis.
Digital Impressions and Scan Bodies
To fabricate a screw retained implant crown digitally, we need an accurate implant-level scan. You capture this chairside using a scan body placed directly on the implant fixture. Next, your intraoral scanner reads the position and angulation of the implant.
That scan data comes to us electronically. Therefore, there are no physical impressions to ship or risk distorting in transit. This streamlines the entire workflow for your practice and our lab team in Phoenix.
Practices in Tempe, Gilbert, and Chandler have embraced digital scanning workflows with great success. In addition, the turnaround time from scan to delivery tends to be faster than with traditional impression-based workflows.
Materials We Use for Screw Retained Implant Crowns
Material selection matters for implant restorations. At Dentek Digital, we work with several trusted materials suited for screw retained crown fabrication.
Zirconia
Zirconia is one of the most popular materials for implant crowns today. It is strong, biocompatible, and highly aesthetic in layered or full-contour forms. Additionally, zirconia holds up exceptionally well under occlusal load in posterior regions.
We mill zirconia crowns in-house using our CAD/CAM systems. The result is a restoration with excellent marginal fit and long-term durability. Furthermore, zirconia can be shaded and characterized to match the surrounding dentition naturally.
Layered and Monolithic Options
Monolithic zirconia crowns are milled from a single block of material. They are extremely strong. On the other hand, layered restorations combine a zirconia substructure with hand-applied porcelain for a more lifelike appearance.
Your clinical situation and patient aesthetic goals will guide material selection. Our team at Dentek Digital is always available to consult with you on the best material for each case.
The Dentek Digital Workflow: How It Works
Working with Dentek Digital is straightforward. Our workflow is designed to make implant restoration as efficient as possible for your practice.
Step 1: Capture the Implant Scan
Place the appropriate scan body on the implant fixture. Then, use your intraoral scanner to capture the full arch and implant position. Accurate scan data is the foundation of a well-fitting restoration.
Step 2: Send Us the Case
Upload your scan files and case details through our online submission portal. Include any notes about material preference, shade, or occlusal considerations. The more information you provide, the better we can serve your patient.
Step 3: Digital Design and Fabrication
Our team designs the crown using CAD software tailored for implant restorations. We account for the screw channel access, emergence profile, and occlusal contacts. Next, we mill the restoration using our in-house CAD/CAM equipment.
Step 4: Quality Check and Delivery
Every restoration goes through a thorough quality review before it leaves our Phoenix lab. Finally, we ship your case with a detailed prescription and any components needed for delivery.
Dentists in Scottsdale and Mesa regularly rely on this workflow to deliver implant restorations efficiently. As a result, they spend less time managing lab logistics and more time focusing on their patients.
Why Dentists Choose Dentek Digital as Their Lab Partner
Dentek Digital was one of the earliest adopters of the digital CAD/CAM workflow in the country. We have built our reputation on precision, reliability, and a genuine commitment to our dental partners.
Moreover, we understand that every case carries your name. When a restoration fits well and functions beautifully, your patient notices. When it doesn’t, they notice that too. We take that responsibility seriously at every step of the fabrication process.
Serving Greater Phoenix and Beyond
Our lab is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and we serve dental practices across the Greater Phoenix metro area — including Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale. However, our digital workflow also makes it easy to partner with practices outside Arizona, including Bal Harbour, FL.
Because we operate digitally, geography is no barrier. You send us your scan files electronically, and we send back a finished restoration. It is that simple. Furthermore, our team communicates with you throughout the process to ensure every case meets your expectations.
Advanced Services Beyond Standard Crowns
In addition to screw retained implant crowns, Dentek Digital offers a full range of dental lab services. These include fixed restorations, removables, splints and nightguards, and complete implant solutions. We also offer advanced services such as TattooTH and digital implant planning.
Therefore, as your practice grows and your case mix evolves, Dentek Digital can grow with you. We are equipped to handle everything from a single implant crown to a complex full-arch implant case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screw Retained Implant Crowns
What is the screw access hole, and does it affect aesthetics?
The screw access hole is a small channel through the crown that allows the retaining screw to pass through. In posterior teeth, it is usually on the occlusal surface. In anterior teeth, it may affect aesthetics if not planned carefully. However, the hole is filled with composite resin after seating, and it is typically not visible in function.
Can screw retained crowns be used for anterior teeth?
Yes, screw retained crowns can be used anteriorly. However, the implant must be positioned and angulated correctly so the screw access hole exits on the lingual or palatal surface. Additionally, your lab partner needs to design the emergence profile carefully for natural-looking aesthetics.
How long does it take to receive a screw retained crown from Dentek Digital?
Turnaround times vary depending on case complexity and material selection. However, our digital workflow is designed to be efficient. Contact our team directly to discuss current turnaround timelines for your specific case type.
Do you work with all implant systems?
We work with a wide range of implant systems and have access to compatible components for most major platforms. If you have a specific implant system question, our team is happy to assist you before you submit your case.
What scan formats does Dentek Digital accept?
We accept digital scan files from most major intraoral scanner platforms. Reach out to our team to confirm compatibility with your specific scanner before submitting your first case. We want the process to be seamless from day one.
Partner With Dentek Digital for Your Screw Retained Implant Cases
Screw retained implant crowns represent one of the most clinically sound options for implant restorations today. When paired with a skilled digital dental lab, the results can be consistently excellent for your patients.
At Dentek Digital, we bring together advanced CAD/CAM technology, quality materials, and experienced lab craftsmanship. We are proud to be a trusted lab partner for dental practices in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and practices nationwide — including Bal Harbour, FL.
If you are ready to take your implant restorations to the next level, contact Dentek Digital and send us a case today. Our team is ready to support your practice and your patients with every restoration we fabricate.