Single unit CAD/CAM restorations: a literature review

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Digital Health

Background:

• Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology has been utilized in dentistry since 1987.
• Numerous CAD/CAM systems are available for producing chair-side single-unit dental restorations.
• CAD/CAM restorations demonstrate comparable quality to conventionally fabricated restorations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a literature review on the evidence base for single-unit CAD/CAM restorations.
• To evaluate various aspects of single-unit CAD/CAM restorations, including materials, marginal integrity, aesthetics, and clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review methodology.
• Systematic search and analysis of existing studies on single-unit CAD/CAM dental restorations.

Main Results:

• CAD/CAM restorations offer advantages such as rapid production, enhanced wear resistance, reduced laboratory costs, and improved infection control.
• Key factors discussed include material properties, marginal gap accuracy, aesthetic outcomes, post-operative sensitivity, cementation techniques, cost-effectiveness, and long-term longevity.

Conclusions:

• Single-unit CAD/CAM restorations present a viable and advantageous alternative to conventional dental restoration techniques.
• Further research may be warranted to consolidate evidence on specific clinical parameters and long-term performance.