What is a screw dental implant?
A dental implant screw is a small, sturdy post that is placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. It acts as a permanent anchor for a new, artificial tooth. After it is placed, the bone gradually fuses with the screw in a process called osseointegration , making the implant very stable. Once it has healed, a piece called an abutment and a crown (the visible tooth) are placed on top. In short, the implant screw is the hidden foundation that allows your new tooth to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Because the implant replaces the tooth root, it also helps keep your jawbone healthy and prevents bone loss.
Types and materials of implant screws
Dental implant screws come in different shapes, sizes, and materials depending on the case:
Tapered vs. straight screws: Some have a tapered shape that mimics the natural tooth root, while others are straight (cylindrical). Tapered screws can offer more stability in soft bone, and straight screws work well in many situations. Our dentists choose the best shape based on your bone and bite.
Titanium vs. zirconia: Most screws are made of medical-grade titanium or titanium alloy, a very strong, biocompatible material that bonds well to bone. In special cases (such as cosmetic front teeth), zirconia, a white ceramic material, can be used. Both types offer long-lasting support for many years.
Thread and surface design: Like metal wood screws, these screws have threads that adhere to the bone. Modern wood screws include rough surfaces or special coatings that stimulate rapid bone growth over the implant. In our clinic, we use high-quality screws with surface treatments that accelerate healing and increase stability.
Each of these design details helps make the implant secure and durable. Your dentist will select the right screw for you, ensuring a strong foundation for your new tooth.
How are implant screws placed?
Implant screw placement follows several careful steps. Our approach is gentle and precise, and patients can often leave with a temporary tooth the same day. Here’s how it works:
Consultation and planning: We begin with a complete examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays or 3D scans show us the shape and thickness of your jawbone. This planning allows us to choose the ideal position and size for your screw.
Anesthesia: We numb the area with local anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain. If you wish, we can also offer conscious sedation for added comfort.
Incision and Drilling: We make a small incision in the gum to expose the bone. Then, using special drills of different sizes, we create a precise hole in the bone, just the right size for the implant screw.
Screw Placement: We carefully insert the screw into the hole, using precise measurements to achieve the correct depth. Our clinic uses advanced digital guides and torque controls to ensure the screw is perfectly straight and properly secured. In many cases, we place a healing cap or immediate abutment before closing.
Suturing and Healing: We then suture the gum over or around the implant. You go home to recover. In the following weeks, the bone will grow firmly around the screw. If necessary, we can place a temporary crown on the same day (immediate loading) so you have a visible tooth while everything heals. Otherwise, a permanent crown is placed after several months of healing.
Every step is carried out with care and hygiene. Thanks to our experience and technology, the process is as quick and convenient as possible.
Advantages of screw-retained dental implants
Dental implants, especially those using screws, have many clear advantages over traditional methods such as removable dentures or dental bridges.
One of the main advantages is its strength and stability. Once the screw has healed and fully integrated with the bone, it becomes part of your body. This solid foundation allows you to bite and chew as you would with your natural teeth, making eating and speaking feel completely normal again.
Another great advantage is the natural look and feel of dental implants. The crown, which is the visible part of the replacement tooth, is custom-designed to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. Because the implant doesn’t rely on metal clasps or neighboring teeth for support, it blends seamlessly with your smile and feels like a real tooth.
Dental implants also contribute to better long-term bone health. The implant screw stimulates the jawbone in the same way a natural tooth root would, helping to prevent the bone loss that often occurs when a tooth is missing. This not only helps maintain a healthy bite but also prevents the facial structure from sagging over time.
“Smile in a Day” Approach At our clinic in Madrid, we offer a “Smile in a Day” approach, also known as immediate loading. In many cases, we can place a temporary crown the same day the implant screw is inserted. This means you can leave our clinic with a restored smile just hours after the procedure. Durability is another reason many patients choose dental implants. With good care and regular checkups, both the screw and crown can last for decades, or even a lifetime. Unlike dentures, which must be removed and cleaned daily, implants are fixed and designed to withstand everyday chewing and speaking without discomfort.
Our Implant Services in Madrid
At Alejandro Prieto Dental in Madrid (Salamanca District), we specialize in advanced implant treatments using the latest technology. For example, to replace a single tooth, we offer a single dental implant that replaces it without affecting the surrounding teeth. For multiple missing teeth, we create implant-supported bridges that use two or more screws to support a fixed bridge. We also perform complete restorations using All-on-4/6/8 techniques when necessary.
We take care of every step in our own clinic: 3D digital planning, precision surgical guides, and crown fabrication in our state-of-the-art laboratory. This allows us complete control over fit and aesthetics. Our team of expert doctors, led by Dr. Alejandro Prieto, has years of experience in dental implantology. Plus, we stand behind our implants: many of our treatments include long-term warranties for your peace of mind.
Whether you need a single implant or a complete smile makeover, our clinic is equipped to help you. You can learn more about all our options on the Dental Implants page . We invite you to schedule a consultation to see how we can restore your smile with the best dental implant screw technology available.
