Screw Retained Implant Crown Delivery
Dr. Thanasi Loukas, DMD | Loukas Dentistry of Park Ridge
What You Are Watching
This video shows Dr. Thanasi Loukas delivering a screw retained implant crown, the final step in the dental implant process. After the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone over several months, a custom porcelain crown is fabricated to match the surrounding teeth in shape, size, and color. The crown is then secured directly to the implant abutment using a tiny titanium screw, creating a permanent tooth replacement that looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth.
Why Screw Retained vs. Cement Retained?
Dr. Loukas prefers screw retained implant crowns for several important reasons:
- Retrievability — The crown can be easily removed for maintenance or repair without damaging it
- No cement complications — Excess dental cement trapped under the gumline is a leading cause of implant failure and peri-implantitis
- Precision fit — The screw connection ensures the crown seats perfectly on the implant every time
- Long term health — Healthier gum tissue around the implant because there is no cement irritation
- Easy hygiene access — If needed, the crown can be removed for deep cleaning around the implant
The Dental Implant Process
- Consultation and 3D imaging — CBCT scan to evaluate bone and plan implant placement
- Implant placement — A titanium implant is surgically placed in the jawbone
- Healing period — 3 to 6 months for the implant to fuse with bone (osseointegration)
- Impression and crown fabrication — Digital scan to create a custom crown
- Crown delivery — The final crown is secured to the implant (this video)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to deliver a screw retained crown?
The actual crown delivery appointment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Dr. Loukas verifies the fit, checks the bite, and ensures the color matches perfectly before securing the final screw.
Is the screw visible?
No. The screw access hole is on the biting surface or back of the crown and is sealed with a tooth colored composite filling. It is completely invisible when you smile.
How long do implant crowns last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, a screw retained implant crown can last 15 to 25 years or longer. The implant itself can last a lifetime.
Does it hurt to have the crown placed?
Crown delivery is completely painless. The implant has no nerve, so you will not feel anything during the procedure. No anesthesia is needed.
Ready to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant?
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Transcript and Treatment Summary
In this Loukas Dentistry treatment video, viewers see a screw retained implant crown being placed at our Park Ridge, IL office. The video demonstrates how a custom porcelain crown is attached directly to a dental implant using a small titanium screw, rather than being cemented in place. This technique allows the crown to be easily removed for maintenance if needed.
Screw retained implant crowns are preferred by Dr. Thanasi Loukas in many clinical situations because they eliminate the risk of excess cement irritating the gum tissue around the implant. The access hole for the screw is sealed with composite resin and is virtually invisible. This approach provides a secure, retrievable restoration that can last decades with proper care.
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