What is screw-retained vs cement-retained crown?
Screw-retained and cement-retained crowns are two methods of permanently attaching a prosthetic crown to a dental implant abutment, differing in how they achieve retention and how they are removed if needed.
A crown attached to a dental implant abutment must be held in place permanently. The two standard attachment methods differ fundamentally in their mechanics and clinical implications.
A screw-retained crown is fastened by a small titanium or stainless steel screw that passes through the crown into the abutment, then into the implant itself. The screw head sits inside the crown where it is later covered with a filling material. This approach allows the crown to be removed by unscrewing it if adjustments, repairs, or implant maintenance become necessary. The crown sits slightly higher on the abutment, and the screw access hole must be accounted for during design.
A cement-retained crown is adhered to the abutment using dental cement, similar to how a crown attaches to a natural tooth. The crown sits fully over the abutment with no visible screw, creating a more natural appearance at the gumline. Once cemented, the crown is bonded permanently to the abutment and cannot be removed without cutting it off.
Each method has clinical trade-offs. Screw retention offers retrievability and easier access for future implant work, but the screw access hole can be esthetic compromises and potential screw loosening. Cement retention provides superior esthetics and feels more like a natural tooth restoration, but excess cement left around the implant can trigger inflammation, and removal requires destructive cutting if problems arise. Implant providers in Columbia, SC and beyond choose between these methods based on implant position, esthetic demands, and the patient's maintenance expectations.