Anterior emergence with the screw access where it should be. Multi-unit cases that come out cleanly. The retrievability you'd want, designed into the case.
Screw-retained restorations give the dentist retrievability, the option to remove the restoration cleanly without destroying it. For most posterior implant cases and many anterior cases where the access can be hidden, screw-retained is the cleaner answer.
Single-unit screw-retained handles most anterior emergence and retrievability cases. Multi-unit brings abutment coordination and occlusal-scheme decisions into the design.
Single crown on a custom abutment, screw access placed esthetically. The cleanest application of screw-retention, full retrievability without the complexity of multi-unit coordination.
Bridges and full-arch screw-retained restorations. Multi-unit abutment library coordination, occlusal scheme planning, screw-channel placement across the arch.
Pick the scenario closest to your case. We'll show the recommendation and the reasoning. Anything outside these reads as a planning call, not a guess.
Strength wins. No reason to risk porcelain chipping under heavy occlusion when monolithic delivers comparable esthetics for a posterior position.
Esthetics wins. If thin prep is possible, Emax usually edges out. Otherwise layered zirconia gets there with custom characterization.
Span and connector dimensions covered in zirconia bridges. We’ll plan the case if span limits are borderline.
Stain-and-glaze characterization on monolithic gets most anterior cases into the acceptable-match range without the layered overhead.
When the implant angle is divergent from where the screw access should be, a custom abutment plus a screw-retained crown lets us correct the angle and put the access where it belongs. We do this routinely on anterior cases.
The conversation about angle, access, and esthetic position happens on the case planning call, not at the bench, not after fabrication, not in a remake form.
A digital scan or impression with the scan body or transfer in place. The implant system and platform. A soft tissue photo. The opposing arch. Any clinical notes that affect screw-channel placement, occlusal scheme, or shade.
If you’re missing any of those, call us and we’ll talk through the case.
Reference values · confirm against current CDT. Insurance language varies by carrier.
Standard code regardless of cement or screw retention.
For PFM screw-retained cases.
When the case uses a custom abutment with the screw-retained crown.
For multi-unit screw-retained bridge work.
Cross-reference; placement code, not lab code.
We design custom abutments and implant restorations for the major systems used in independent practice. Don't see your system below? Call us, we've likely worked it before.
All major Nobel platforms accepted, including Active, Replace, Conical Connection, and NobelParallel.
BLT, BLX, Tissue Level, and SLActive platforms. Original abutment libraries used at the bench.
EV and OsseoSpeed lines, including the full EV family. Dentsply Sirona libraries on file.
TSV, Trabecular Metal, Eztetic, and 3i platforms. Combined Zimmer and Biomet legacy lines supported.
Tapered Internal, Tapered Pro, and Laser-Lok lines. Original abutment connections preserved.
Don't see your system? Ask us, we've likely worked it before.
"IDA has become my go to dental lab for all of my implant crowns and bridges as well as traditional bridge cases. Their restorations consistently demonstrate an outstanding fit, often seating with minimal to no adjustments. The esthetics also meet the highest demands. They are easy to work with and always helpful when questions arise. I confidently recommend them to colleagues seeking reliable, highly esthetic results."
Dr. Michael O'Brien
"We've had nothing but positive experiences with this lab. Their team is always willing to help, whether we have questions about a case, need assistance with a remake, or just want a second opinion on treatment planning."
Dr. Lauran Spencer, DDS
"IDA Tulsa's work on fixed restorations, implant and tooth borne, is very high quality and consistent. Everyone I've worked with from IDA has been very available, open to communication, and helpful in delivering quality restorations for patients. Chris has been a great partner to work with in the dental business."
Dr. Heath Coleman Secure Dentures and Implants
Custom abutments correct screw-channel angles. The other half of the screw-retained workflow.
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Cement and screw-retained options. Anterior and posterior. Custom-abutment-supported.
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For the cases where the difference between great and remake lives in the details. Plan it with a specialist before the case hits the bench.
Learn moreSchedule a 15-minute case consultation with an IDA technician. We'll talk through your scan, your patient, and what you need from us.
The questions that come up most often before we fabricate. Anything outside these is a planning call.
Contact UsD6065 for an implant-supported porcelain/ceramic crown, regardless of cement or screw retention. The retention method doesn’t change the code.
For most posterior cases, screw-retained. For anterior cases, depends on whether the access can be hidden. The decision is case-specific and worth a 15-minute call.
When the implant is angled away from where the screw access should be, a custom abutment lets us redirect the access channel into a position the dentist can hide. We do this routinely on anterior cases.
Yes. See zirconia bridges for the full-arch workflow. We plan full-arch cases on a case planning call before fabrication starts.