Cement-Retained Implant PFM Crown

Cement-retained implant PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal) crown is fixed onto custom or stock titanium abutments with dental cement. Together with screw-retained crowns, it is one of the two mainstream options for single implant restorations. While monolithic zirconia implant crowns gain popularity, cement-retained PFM crowns remain widely prescribed for posterior sites and cases with unfavorable implant angulation, thanks to reliable strength and competitive pricing.

It consists of a metal substructure layered with porcelain veneer. Common alloys include cobalt-chrome and noble palladium alloys, compatible with most major implant systems such as Megagen, Zimmer and Neodent.

Intact occlusal table. Without a screw access hole, natural occlusal anatomy, guidance and occlusal adjustment are easier to achieve, ideal for high-load molar areas.

Corrects poor implant angulation. Custom abutments can compensate tilted implant position, avoiding visible screw channels in high-esthetic smile zones.

Better passive fit, less lateral stress transferred to the implant fixture.

Cost-effective, suitable for patients with budget limitations, especially popular in Africa and Latin America.

Residual cement is the primary hazard. Excess cement left subgingivally causes peri-implant mucositis and bone loss. Supragingival margins are strongly recommended for easy cement cleanup.

Poor retrievability. It is difficult to remove the crown non-destructively for future maintenance, with risk of porcelain chipping.

Esthetic compromise: metal margin may show a dark line at gingival level; porcelain chipping risk exists for heavy bruxers.

Cement-Retained VS Screw-Retained

Cement-retained: full occlusal anatomy, fixes angulation issues; risk of cement remnant, hard to remove.

Screw-retained: retrievable for easy maintenance, no cement risk; occlusal hole compromises anatomy and esthetics.

In North America, zirconia implant crowns are rising, yet PFM cement-retained crowns are still preferred for many budget posterior cases. High local lab costs drive outsourcing to Chinese dental labs. In emerging markets like Cameroon, cement-retained PFM implant crowns are the first choice for posterior implants due to affordable cost and sufficient strength. Most cases now pair with CAD/CAM custom titanium abutments for superior marginal precision.

Complete margin, gingival contour and occlusal scan data are required. We suggest supragingival margin design. Please specify alloy type, margin level and occlusal clearance on your prescription. Indications: single posterior implant, tilted implant axis, cases wanting no occlusal screw hole. Caution for deep subgingival margins, severe bruxism, metal allergy and thin-gingival high-esthetic anterior sites.

Our lab fabricates cement-retained implant PFM crowns compatible with all major intraoral scanners and implant platforms. Cobalt-chrome and noble alloy options are available. Submit your scan files for case evaluation.