CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology with large-scale industrial applications has been developed and used over the last 3 decades. Implant Innovations, Inc. (Palm Beach Gardens, FL), has recently introduced a version of this technology for use in implant restorative dentistry. Different software programs were written to design and machine individual implant abutments and bar-type frameworks. This report provides a literature review of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry and describes the treatment of one edentulous patient restored with individual implant abutments and conventional cemented fixed partial dentures in the edentulous maxilla and a fixed, screw-retained prosthesis that replaced the missing mandibular teeth. The abutments were made using The Encode Restorative System; the mandibular framework was made with a CAM StructSURE Precision Milled Bar. The benefits and limitations of this technology are also discussed. Additional clinical and laboratory studies are needed to further validate this technology.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Drago et al. (2007) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: