best dental implants in europe

Dental Implants Without Screws: What Are They and Are They Better?

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The term dental implants without screws refers to implant restorations where the crown or prosthesis is attached to the abutment using dental cement rather than a retaining screw. Both approaches — cement-retained and screw-retained — use the same titanium implant fixture placed in the jawbone. The difference is only in how the visible crown is fixed to the abutment on top.

This is a common question from patients who have heard conflicting information about implant systems, or who have been told by one clinic that their preferred approach is superior. In practice, both methods have clinical indications and the choice depends on the specific case — implant position, abutment angle, aesthetic requirements and the surgeon’s preference. At Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia, Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero, specialist in implantology and oral surgery with over 30 years of experience, selects the appropriate retention method for each individual case.

Screw-retained vs cement-retained implant crowns

Factor Screw-retained Cement-retained (without screws)
How crown is fixed Small access screw through the crown into the abutment Dental cement — no visible screw hole
Retrievability Crown can be removed by dentist for maintenance or adjustment Fixed permanently — removal risks damage to crown
Aesthetics Small access hole visible on biting surface — covered with composite No visible hole — cleaner appearance on biting surface
Cement excess risk No cement used — no risk of sub-gingival cement residue Cement excess below gum line can cause peri-implant inflammation
Maintenance access Easy — crown can be removed if abutment needs attention Difficult — abutment cannot be accessed without removing crown
Best indicated for Most implant cases — preferred for posterior teeth and full arch restorations Cases where implant angulation makes screw access difficult, or where aesthetics at biting surface are critical

Which is better — screws or cement?

The current clinical consensus favours screw-retained restorations for most implant cases, primarily because of retrievability and the elimination of cement excess risk. Excess cement left below the gum line is one of the contributing factors to peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis — the bacterial infection that is the leading cause of implant failure. With screw-retained crowns this risk does not exist.

However, cement-retained crowns remain a valid option in specific situations — particularly when the implant angle makes screw access impossible or when the access hole would compromise aesthetics in a highly visible position. The decision is made case by case based on clinical assessment.

For full arch restorations such as All-on-4, screw-retained prostheses are standard practice — the prosthesis is fixed to the implant abutments with screws and can be removed by the dentist for professional cleaning or adjustment. See our All-on-4 dental implants abroad page for more information.

Does the patient feel or notice the screw?

No. The access hole for the retaining screw is on the biting surface of the crown — not on the visible front face. It is covered with a small composite filling that is invisible in normal use. Patients with screw-retained crowns cannot feel the screw and are not aware of it during eating or speaking.

Frequently asked questions

Are dental implants without screws more comfortable?

There is no difference in comfort between screw-retained and cement-retained implant crowns once fitted. Both feel identical to the patient in everyday use. The choice of retention method is a clinical decision, not a comfort one.

Can a cement-retained crown be converted to screw-retained?

Not directly — the two systems use different abutment designs. If a cement-retained crown needs to be replaced, the replacement can be designed as screw-retained if the implant position allows it. This is sometimes done when a cement-retained crown causes problems such as peri-implant inflammation from cement excess.

What happens if the screw loosens on a screw-retained crown?

Screw loosening is one of the most common minor implant complications. The crown is removed by the dentist, the screw is replaced or retightened and the crown is refitted. It is a straightforward procedure that does not affect the implant. If you notice a crown that feels loose or moves slightly, contact us promptly — a loose screw should not be left untreated as it can cause damage to the implant connection over time. Call us on 0800 048 8058.

Are implants without screws cheaper?

The retention method does not significantly affect the overall cost of an implant restoration. The main cost components are the implant fixture, abutment and crown — not how the crown is attached. At Asensio the complete single implant price of £850 includes all components regardless of retention method. View the full breakdown on our prices page.

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Dental Implants Recovery

Dental Implant Recovery: What to Expect After Your Implant Surgery

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Dental implant recovery follows a predictable pattern for most patients — discomfort peaks in the first 48 hours and reduces significantly within a week, after which the majority of patients return to normal activity. The osseointegration period that follows, lasting 3–6 months, is largely symptom-free. Understanding what to expect at each stage removes uncertainty and helps patients manage their recovery confidently.

At Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia, every patient receives written aftercare instructions before leaving the clinic after surgery. Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero, specialist in implantology and oral surgery with over 30 years of experience, leads all implant procedures and reviews at the clinic. This guide covers the key stages of recovery for UK patients travelling home after treatment.

Recovery timeline: day by day

Timeframe What to expect What to do
Day 1 Numbness from anaesthetic wears off in 2–4 hours. Mild to moderate soreness, possible minor bleeding, swelling begins Rest, apply ice pack to cheek (20 min on/off), take prescribed pain relief, soft diet only, do not rinse
Days 2–3 Swelling typically peaks — this is normal. Soreness continues but manageable with medication Continue soft diet and pain relief. Gentle saline rinse from day 2. Avoid strenuous activity
Days 4–7 Swelling reduces significantly, soreness decreases. Most patients feel well enough to return to desk work Over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Begin gentle brushing around implant site. Soft diet continues
Week 2 Minimal discomfort in most cases. Gum tissue continues to heal around implant Normal oral hygiene routine. Gradually return to normal diet avoiding hard or crunchy food
Weeks 3–4 Soft tissue fully healed in most cases. Implant stable — osseointegration well underway Full cleaning routine including interdental brush and water flosser. Normal diet resumes
Months 1–6 Osseointegration period — no symptoms expected. Implant integrating with bone Daily cleaning routine, avoid smoking, attend local dentist for routine hygiene if needed

Returning to the UK after implant surgery

Most patients travelling from the UK to Valencia for implant surgery fly home within 2–3 days of their procedure. Flying does not affect osseointegration or healing. Before leaving the clinic, Asensio provides:

What you receive before departure Purpose
Written aftercare instructions Step-by-step guide for the recovery period in English
Prescription medication Antibiotics and pain relief to cover the recovery period
Clinical records and X-rays For sharing with your UK dentist for routine follow-up
Emergency contact 24-hour line: 0800 048 8058 — contact us directly if you have any concerns during recovery

All-on-4 recovery vs single implant recovery

All-on-4 full arch surgery involves more extensive intervention than a single implant — multiple extractions, four implant placements and immediate prosthesis fitting in a single session. Recovery follows the same pattern but the initial discomfort and swelling are typically more pronounced:

Factor Single implant All-on-4
Surgery duration 45–90 minutes 4–6 hours
Initial swelling Localised, mild to moderate More pronounced, both sides of jaw
Return to normal activity 2–3 days 3–5 days
Soft diet period 1–2 weeks 6–8 weeks
Osseointegration 3–6 months 3–6 months

Signs that require prompt attention

Some discomfort and swelling in the first week is expected and normal. The following signs are not normal and should be assessed promptly — contact us on 0800 048 8058 if you experience any of them:

Sign Possible cause
Persistent or worsening pain after day 5 Possible infection or dry socket
Swelling that increases after day 3 Possible infection
Heavy or persistent bleeding Clot disruption — apply gentle pressure and contact us
Implant feels loose or mobile Early osseointegration complication — requires immediate assessment

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?

The initial recovery — swelling, soreness and dietary restrictions — takes approximately 1–2 weeks for a single implant and 3–6 weeks for All-on-4. The osseointegration period that follows takes 3–6 months but is largely symptom-free. Most patients return to normal daily activity within 3–5 days of surgery.

Can I fly home the day after implant surgery?

Yes. Most Asensio patients fly back to the UK 2–3 days after surgery. The cabin pressure change during flying does not affect healing or osseointegration. Ensure you have your prescription medication, aftercare instructions and emergency contact number before you travel.

What can I eat after dental implant surgery?

A soft diet is essential for the first week — yoghurt, eggs, soup, mashed vegetables, soft fish and fruit juices. Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy or very hot food during this period. For All-on-4 patients, a soft diet is recommended for 6–8 weeks while the implants integrate.

When can I exercise after implant surgery?

Light walking is fine from day 2. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and contact sports for at least one week — physical exertion increases blood pressure and can cause bleeding or disrupt the healing clot. Most patients resume normal exercise after 7–10 days.

How do I care for my implants during recovery?

Follow the aftercare instructions provided at the clinic. From day 2, gentle saline rinses help keep the site clean. From week 2, normal brushing around the implant with a soft toothbrush is recommended. See our full dental implant care guide for the long-term routine. Call us on 0800 048 8058 or visit our dental implants abroad page for more information.

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