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What do you know about CAD/CAM?

Almost everyone appreciates modern technology. Many problems are easily solved with it and nothing is too small for modern technology to influence. Spectacular advances have been made in the field of computer aided dental technology in the Albuquerque area and a great example of this is CAD/CAM. CAD/CAM or computer aided design/ computer aided manufacturing, is used in a vast range of products. A computer aided design program in effect inputs information and instructions into a machine which then produces an output according to those specifications.

The modern day dentistry has started using the technique of CAD/CAM to manufacture inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges in one short visit. The equipment will generally rely strictly on a ceramic material that creates a seamless and flawless product which fits perfectly into a patient’s mouth.

Usually restorative dental procedures would require a patient to make two or more visits to their dentist. This is because they would need to have a mold of the tooth or area in question made from which a custom crown or other restorative would be prepared.

With CAD\CAM technology in an office, the dentist can take the appropriate images and measurements and design the item to be manufactured in only a few short minutes. From there it can be immediately fitted without the patient being required to wear a temporary crown for a week or more while they wait for the new one to be manufactured.

Temporary restorations for such items as crowns and bridges can leave the area exposed to potential irritation, bacterial accumulation and infection. This situation could allow a patient to return to have their permanent crown fitted, only to have it placed improperly due to swollen gums or irritated soft tissue. With the use of CAD\CAM equipment the tooth could be prepared and the custom crown fitted in a single visit, sparing the patient any potential discomfort or risk of infection. Additionally, many restorative dental items are still made of a mixture of, amalgam, gold and other materials. The CAD\CAM equipment relies strictly on durable and natural looking porcelain which is now able to withstand a great deal more wear and tear thanks to the incorporation of zirconia into the compound.

It must be understood however that not all Albuquerque dentists offer the technology. This may mean a person interested in having some dental restoration done with CAD\CAM equipment may have to use a new dentist or for the procedures.

If a patient is interested in immediate restorative treatment and if they are looking for a significantly more natural looking crown, inlay, onlay, veneer,or bridge, they may want to explore the exciting technology behind CAD\CAM dentistry.