Dental practices across the country are raising their implant game. Screw retained implant crowns have become one of the most sought-after restorations in modern implant dentistry. They offer retrievability, precision fit, and a cleaner restorative margin that cement-retained options simply cannot match.
At Dentek Digital, we fabricate screw retained implant crowns using advanced CAD/CAM technology. Our Phoenix, Arizona lab serves dental professionals nationwide. We understand what dentists need to deliver excellent implant outcomes for their patients.
Whether you are in Old Westbury, NY or working with a lab partner for the first time, this guide will help you understand what makes screw retained implant crowns a smart clinical choice — and how a digital dental lab can support your workflow.
What Are Screw Retained Implant Crowns?
Screw retained implant crowns attach directly to an implant fixture using a small access screw. There is no cement involved in the final seating of the crown. Instead, the restoration locks into place mechanically through the screw channel.
This design gives the dentist a significant advantage. If the crown ever needs to be removed — for a tissue check, modification, or replacement — retrieval is straightforward. Additionally, there is no risk of excess cement migrating into the peri-implant sulcus.
How They Differ from Cement-Retained Crowns
Cement-retained crowns rely on dental cement to bond the restoration to an abutment. On the other hand, screw retained crowns eliminate the cement step entirely at delivery. Therefore, the risk of subgingival cement remnants — a known contributor to peri-implantitis — is essentially removed.
Furthermore, screw retained restorations tend to seat more predictably. The screw locks the crown into a defined position every time. This supports long-term occlusal stability for the patient.
When Dentists Choose Screw Retention
Not every implant case calls for screw retention. However, many clinicians prefer it for cases where retrievability is a priority. For example, full-arch implant cases, cases with shallow subgingival margins, and cases requiring future modification all benefit from screw retained design.
Posterior single-unit cases are also strong candidates. Moreover, patients with parafunctional habits may benefit from a restoration the dentist can easily monitor and retrieve if needed.
The CAD/CAM Advantage in Fabricating Screw Retained Implant Crowns
Digital fabrication has transformed how dental labs produce implant restorations. At Dentek Digital, our CAD/CAM workflow allows us to design and mill screw retained implant crowns with a level of precision that traditional analog methods cannot consistently replicate.
We were among the earliest adopters of digital workflows in the country. Because of this, our team has built deep expertise in implant-level design, emergence profile shaping, and access hole placement. Every crown is engineered to fit accurately from the first seating.
Digital Scanning and Design
The workflow begins with a digital scan — either from your intraoral scanner or from a scanned physical impression. Next, our technicians use specialized implant software to design the crown at the implant level. We account for the implant platform, angulation, tissue contour, and occlusal demands of each case.
Additionally, we can design the access hole to emerge in a favorable position, whether palatal, lingual, or centered on the occlusal surface. This attention to detail improves both aesthetics and function.
Materials We Use
Dentek Digital fabricates screw retained implant crowns in a range of high-performance materials. These include full-contour zirconia, layered zirconia, and lithium disilicate restorations with a Ti-base interface. Each material offers distinct advantages depending on the case.
For example, full-contour zirconia is an excellent choice for posterior single units where strength is paramount. Meanwhile, layered zirconia or lithium disilicate may be preferred for anterior restorations where esthetics are the priority. We work with you to select the right material for each patient.
Supporting Dental Practices Beyond Phoenix
Dentek Digital is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and proudly serves dental professionals across the Greater Phoenix area — including communities like Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. However, our reach extends well beyond Arizona.
We partner with dental practices nationwide, including those in New York. Our streamlined case submission process makes it easy for any practice to work with our lab, regardless of geography. As a result, you get access to one of the most advanced digital dental labs in the country without having to compromise on quality or turnaround.
Easy Case Submission for Out-of-State Practices
Working with a lab outside your local area used to feel complicated. Today, digital workflows have changed that completely. You can submit a scan, share case notes, and communicate with our team entirely online. Therefore, distance is no longer a barrier to getting exceptional restorations.
Our team in Phoenix coordinates closely with practices across the country. We provide case feedback, answer clinical questions, and ensure every restoration meets your specifications before it ships.
Turnaround and Communication
We understand that your schedule depends on reliable lab turnarounds. At Dentek Digital, we maintain clear communication throughout every case. You will always know where your restoration stands. Furthermore, our digital workflow reduces the chance of remakes by catching potential issues at the design stage — before any material is milled.
Clinical Tips for Screw Retained Implant Crown Cases
Even with an excellent lab, clinical success depends on good case planning. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when planning screw retained implant crown cases.
- Implant angulation matters. Favorable implant angulation makes it easier to place the access hole in a non-compromising esthetic position. Plan implant position with the final restoration in mind.
- Capture the implant level accurately. Screw retained crowns require an implant-level impression or scan. Ensure your scan body is fully seated before scanning.
- Communicate emergence profile preferences. Let your lab know the soft tissue architecture so the emergence profile can be shaped appropriately for the healing stage.
- Verify torque values at delivery. Follow the implant manufacturer’s recommended torque specification when seating the screw. Then seal the access hole with composite or a suitable material.
- Plan the access hole material. Discuss with your lab whether the access hole will be sealed with composite or another material, so the design accommodates it properly.
These steps help ensure a smooth delivery and a restoration that functions well long-term. Additionally, good documentation at each stage protects the patient and the practice.
Why Dental Practices Choose Dentek Digital
Dentek Digital has built a reputation for quality, consistency, and clinical accuracy. We combine cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology with skilled dental technicians who understand the demands of implant restorations. Therefore, practices that partner with us consistently report fewer remakes and smoother deliveries.
We serve practices from Scottsdale and Tempe to practices across the country. Our team brings the same high standard to every case, whether it is a single posterior implant crown or a complex full-arch case. In addition, we offer services like digital implant planning and TattooTH to further support your implant workflow.
What Sets Us Apart
First, we were one of the earliest digital dental labs in the country to adopt a fully digital CAD/CAM workflow. Next, our team has years of hands-on experience designing implant-level restorations across every major implant system. Finally, our communication and turnaround processes are designed specifically to support busy dental practices.
Moreover, we are not a generalist lab. We specialize in high-quality digital restorations. Because of this, our quality control is focused and consistent across every case we produce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screw Retained Implant Crowns
What is the main benefit of a screw retained implant crown over a cement-retained crown?
The primary benefit is retrievability. A screw retained crown can be removed and reseated without damage to the restoration. Additionally, it eliminates the risk of excess cement around the implant, which can contribute to peri-implant complications.
Can screw retained crowns be used in the anterior zone?
Yes. However, implant angulation must allow the access hole to emerge in a manageable position — ideally on the lingual or palatal surface. Proper implant placement planning is essential for anterior screw retained cases.
What implant systems does Dentek Digital support?
We work with a wide range of implant systems and platforms. When you submit your case, simply include the implant system, connection type, and platform details. Our team will ensure the restoration is designed to the correct specifications.
Do I need an intraoral scanner to work with Dentek Digital?
No. While digital scans are preferred for implant-level cases, we can also work from physical impressions. However, for screw retained implant crowns specifically, implant-level digital scans typically yield the most accurate results.
How long does it take to receive a screw retained implant crown from Dentek Digital?
Turnaround times vary depending on the complexity of the case and the material selected. Contact our team directly for current turnaround estimates. We always aim to give practices a clear timeline upfront.
Partner with Dentek Digital for Your Implant Cases
Screw retained implant crowns represent the standard of care for many implant cases today. They offer clinical advantages that benefit both the dentist and the patient. Furthermore, when fabricated with precision digital technology, they deliver consistent fit, function, and esthetics.
Dentek Digital is here to support your implant workflow. From single-unit posterior crowns to complex multi-unit cases, our team has the expertise and technology to deliver restorations you can trust. We proudly serve dental practices in the Greater Phoenix area — including Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert — as well as practices across the country.
Ready to elevate your implant restorations? Contact Dentek Digital today to send us a case or request a consultation. Our team is ready to support your practice with the highest quality digital dental lab services available.