Dental implant restorations have evolved dramatically over the past decade. Today, more dentists are choosing screw retained implant crowns over cement-retained options — and for good reason. This restoration style offers cleaner retrievability, better margin control, and a more predictable long-term outcome for patients.
At Dentek Digital, we fabricate screw retained implant crowns using advanced CAD/CAM technology. Our digital workflow gives dentists a reliable, precise restoration every time. Whether your practice is located in Danville, CA or you’re partnering with a lab anywhere across the country, we deliver restorations built to perform.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about screw retained implant crowns — how they work, why they matter, and how partnering with a digital dental lab can elevate your implant cases.
What Are Screw Retained Implant Crowns?
A screw retained implant crown is a prosthetic crown that attaches directly to an implant fixture using a screw. Unlike cement-retained crowns, there is no dental cement involved. This makes retrieval straightforward and clean.
The crown and abutment are often milled as a single unit. This design is sometimes called a screw-retained monolithic crown or a titanium base crown. Both approaches have their advantages depending on the clinical situation.
How Do They Differ from Cement-Retained Crowns?
Cement-retained crowns rely on adhesive cement to hold the crown to a separate abutment. This approach can work well in certain cases. However, excess cement left below the gumline has been linked to peri-implant complications.
Screw retained designs eliminate that risk entirely. Additionally, if a crown ever needs to be removed for any reason, the process is simple and non-destructive. This level of retrievability is a significant clinical advantage.
Which Cases Are Best Suited for Screw Retention?
Most posterior single-unit implant cases are excellent candidates. Additionally, full-arch implant cases almost always use screw retention. For anterior cases, the access hole position must be carefully considered. Therefore, case planning plays a major role in determining the best approach.
At Dentek Digital, we work closely with dentists to evaluate each case individually. We serve practices throughout Greater Phoenix, including Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Chandler. However, our digital lab model also allows us to partner with dentists in markets like Danville, CA with equal efficiency.
The CAD/CAM Advantage in Implant Crown Fabrication
Traditional implant crown fabrication relied heavily on manual processes. Today, CAD/CAM technology has transformed how dental labs produce restorations. As a result, accuracy, consistency, and turnaround times have all improved dramatically.
At Dentek Digital, we were one of the earliest digital dental labs in the country to adopt a fully digital workflow. Our milling and design processes are built around precision. Because of this, every screw retained implant crown we produce meets tight tolerances that manual methods simply cannot match.
Digital Scanning and Case Submission
Modern implant crown fabrication starts with a digital scan. Most dentists today use an intraoral scanner to capture the implant position and surrounding tissue. The scan file is then sent directly to our lab — no physical impressions needed.
This digital-first approach eliminates distortion from traditional impression materials. Furthermore, it speeds up the entire process. Dentists in Danville and across the country can submit cases electronically and receive restorations quickly without sacrificing quality.
Scan Body and Implant Library Compatibility
One important detail in screw retained crown fabrication is scan body and implant library compatibility. We maintain an extensive library of implant connections in our CAD software. Therefore, we can design restorations that fit a wide range of implant systems accurately.
If you’re unsure whether your implant system is supported, our team can confirm compatibility quickly. We make this part of the process as easy as possible for every dentist we work with.
Materials Used for Screw Retained Implant Crowns
Material selection plays a major role in the final result. Several options are available depending on the tooth position, esthetic demands, and occlusal load. Each material has distinct properties that affect strength, appearance, and long-term performance.
Zirconia
Zirconia is the most commonly used material for screw retained implant crowns today. It offers excellent strength and is highly biocompatible. Additionally, modern high-translucency zirconia delivers esthetic results that rival traditional porcelain.
For posterior cases with heavy bite forces, full-contour zirconia is often the preferred choice. On the other hand, layered zirconia may be used in anterior cases where esthetics are the primary concern.
Titanium Base (Ti-Base) Restorations
Many screw retained crowns are fabricated on a titanium base, or Ti-Base. The zirconia crown is bonded to the Ti-Base outside the mouth in a controlled lab environment. This approach provides a strong, passive fit at the implant connection.
Ti-Base restorations have become increasingly popular because they combine the strength of titanium at the interface with the esthetics of zirconia above the gumline. Furthermore, the bonding is performed in the lab under ideal conditions — not chairside under time pressure.
PMMA for Provisionals
In some implant cases, a provisional screw retained crown is needed during the healing phase. We mill provisional crowns from PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), a durable acrylic material. These provisionals allow proper tissue conditioning before the final restoration is placed.
Why Dentists Partner with Dentek Digital for Implant Cases
Choosing the right dental lab partner makes a real difference in implant outcomes. At Dentek Digital, we combine cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology with experienced craftsmanship. The result is a restoration that fits predictably and looks excellent.
We are based in Phoenix, Arizona, and we serve dental practices across the Greater Phoenix area — including Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler. Moreover, our digital case submission platform makes it easy for out-of-state dentists to work with us seamlessly.
Consistent Fit and Passive Seating
One of the most common concerns with implant crowns is fit. A restoration that doesn’t seat passively can cause complications ranging from screw loosening to bone stress. Therefore, fit precision is non-negotiable.
Our CAD/CAM milling process produces restorations with exceptional accuracy. Because of this, our screw retained implant crowns consistently seat passively with minimal adjustments at the delivery appointment.
Fast Turnaround Without Compromising Quality
We understand that your patients want their restorations promptly. Our digital workflow allows us to design, mill, and finish restorations efficiently. As a result, we offer competitive turnaround times that help keep your schedule on track.
Additionally, our online case submission portal makes it simple to send cases, track progress, and communicate with our team. This transparency gives dentists confidence throughout the process.
Dedicated Lab Support
Our team is available to discuss your cases before you even submit them. Whether you have questions about material selection, scan body choice, or access hole positioning, we’re here to help. For dentists in Danville, CA looking for a knowledgeable digital lab partner, we offer that expertise remotely without any friction.
Tips for Sending Successful Implant Crown Cases
A great outcome starts with a well-captured case. Here are a few practical tips to help your screw retained implant crown cases go smoothly from the start.
- Use the correct scan body: Always use the scan body that matches your implant system exactly. Mismatched scan bodies will result in an incorrect implant position recorded in the digital file.
- Capture the full arch: Scan the full arch, not just the implant site. This gives our designers the context they need to create proper occlusion and contacts.
- Include the opposing arch: An opposing scan is essential for accurate occlusal design. Never skip this step.
- Note the access hole preference: If you have a preference for where the screw access hole exits, include that in your case notes. We will design accordingly.
- Specify the material: Let us know whether you want full-contour zirconia, a Ti-Base restoration, a layered option, or a PMMA provisional. Clear instructions prevent delays.
- Share shade information: For esthetic cases, include a shade and any relevant photos of adjacent teeth for reference.
Following these steps helps our team produce the best possible restoration for your patient on the first attempt. Moreover, it reduces the likelihood of remakes and chair time adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screw Retained Implant Crowns
Can screw retained implant crowns be used in anterior cases?
Yes, they can. However, the access hole location must be carefully planned. In anterior cases, the hole typically exits through the lingual or cingulum area. This requires proper implant angulation during placement. Therefore, restorability planning before surgery is highly recommended.
What if the access hole is not ideally positioned?
If the implant angle is off-axis, angled screw channel (ASC) abutments can help redirect the access hole. These components allow the screw access to exit in a more favorable position. Our team can advise you on the best approach for challenging angulations.
How do I know which zirconia option is right for my case?
The choice depends on the tooth position and esthetic demands. For posterior teeth under heavy occlusal load, full-contour high-strength zirconia is usually the best option. For visible anterior teeth, layered or high-translucency zirconia may provide a more natural appearance. We’re happy to make a recommendation based on your specific case.
Do you support all implant systems?
We support a wide range of implant systems through our comprehensive implant library. If you’re unsure whether your specific system is compatible, simply reach out before submitting. We will confirm quickly and let you know how to proceed.
How do I submit a case to Dentek Digital?
Submitting a case is simple. You can send digital scan files and case details through our online portal. Our team reviews every case and follows up with any questions. We make the process as efficient as possible so you can focus on your patients.
Start Your Next Implant Case with Dentek Digital
Screw retained implant crowns represent the gold standard in implant restorative dentistry today. They offer retrievability, precision, and long-term reliability that patients and dentists both benefit from. Moreover, when fabricated with advanced CAD/CAM technology, the results are consistently excellent.
At Dentek Digital, we bring the technology, expertise, and attention to detail that every implant case deserves. We’re proud to serve practices throughout Greater Phoenix — including Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, and beyond — and we welcome partnerships with dentists nationwide, including those in Danville, CA.
Ready to elevate your implant restorations? Contact Dentek Digital today to send us a case or discuss your next implant restoration with our team. We’re here to help you deliver the best possible outcomes for your patients.