CAD/CAM

Abstract
CAD/CAM systems (computer-aided design / computer aided manufacturing) used for decades in restorative dentistry have expanded its application to implant dentistry.
This study aimed to look through CAD/CAM systems used in implant dentistry, especially emphasizing implant
abutments and surgical templates manufacturing. A search of articles published in English at Medline and Scopus
databases at present was conducted, introducing “dental CAD/CAM”, “implants abutments” and “surgical guide
CAD/CAM” as key words.
These systems consist of three components: 1) data capture using optical systems or laser scanning, 2) CAD for
the design of the restoration, and 3) CAM to produce the restoration through the information generated by computer.
CAD/CAM abutments present the advantages of being specific to each patient and providing a better fit than the
rest of abutments, in addition to being much more tough as they employ materials such as titanium, alumina and
zirconium.
In order to improve accuracy during implant placement we use stereolithography to manufacture CAD/CAM surgical templates. Using this method, minimally invasive surgery is performed without a flap, and the prosthesis is
delivered, achieving immediate functional loading to the implants.

Introduction
CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer aided
manufacturing) systems have evolved over the last two
decades and have been used by dental health professionals for over twenty years (1).
In 1971, Francois Duret introduced CAD/CAM in restorative dentistry (1) and, in 1983, the first dental CAD/
CAM restoration was manufactured (2).
One of the main lines of implementation was the intraoperative use for dental restoration using prefabricated
ceramic monoblocks (3).
The CAD / CAM systems have been used mostly for
the manufacturing of prosthetic fixed restorations, such
as inlays, onlays, veneers and crowns. During the last
decade technological developments in these systems
have provided alternative restorations using different E142
Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2009 Mar 1;14 (3):E141-5. CAD / CAM dental systems in implant
materials such as porcelain, composite resin and metallic blocks, which could not be prosecuted previously
because of technical limitations (4).
Nowadays there is a greater interest in the CAD/CAM
systems for implant-supported prosthesis, as they have
been used for the manufacture of implant abutments (5)
and diagnostic templates in implant dentistry (6).
The aim of this paper is to review the CAD/CAM systems used in implant dentistry, and describe its application in the construction of implant abutments and surgical templates.
Material and Methods
A search of articles published in English at Medline
and Scopus databases at present was conducted, introducing “dental CAD/CAM”, “implants abutments” and
“surgical guide CAD/CAM” as key words. 59 articles
were found using this search strategy. All articles that
described the construction of implant abutments and
surgical templates using CAD/CAM technology were
included, not excluding articles about clinical cases or
in vitro studies. 29 articles were used finally.