Main Article Content

Abstract

Digital workflows using CAD/CAM technology have revolutionized the fabrication of implant-supported full-arch prostheses. This review traces the evolution of digital dentistry from conventional impressions to fully guided surgery and prosthesis manufacturing. Comparisons between subtractive and additive manufacturing methods are discussed in terms of precision, time efficiency, and clinical outcomes. Key metrics for evaluating accuracy, such as trueness, fit, and passive adaptation, are critically analyzed based on recent clinical studies. Challenges such as cost, learning curve, and integration with existing clinical systems are acknowledged. The review emphasizes the growing evidence that digital workflows can improve patient satisfaction and reduce chair side time.

Keywords

CAD/CAM digital dentistry implant prostheses full-arch restoration workflow accuracy

Article Details

How to Cite
Ahmed Saleem Abbas (2025) “Evolution of CAD/CAM Systems in Implant-Supported Full-Arch Prostheses”, Future Dental Research, 3(2), pp. 77–86. doi:10.57238/fdr.2024.152576.1021.

How to Cite

Ahmed Saleem Abbas (2025) “Evolution of CAD/CAM Systems in Implant-Supported Full-Arch Prostheses”, Future Dental Research, 3(2), pp. 77–86. doi:10.57238/fdr.2024.152576.1021.

References

  1. Johnson AC, Jain V, Ahuja S. Modified technique for CAD/CAM guided implant planning in the presence of existing hopeless teeth. Dent J Oral Disord Stud. 2020. doi:10.30476/DENTJODS.2019.77838
  2. Pyo SW, Kim DJ, Han JS, Yeo ISL. Ceramic materials and technologies applied to digital works in implant-supported restorative dentistry. Materials. 2020;13(8):1964. doi:10.3390/ma13081964
  3. Maiti N, Mahapatra N, Patel D, Chanchad J, Shah AS, Rahaman SM, et al. Application of CAD-CAM in dentistry. Bioinformation. 2024;20(5):547. doi:10.6026/973206300200547
  4. El-Kerdani T. Preclinical course in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) digital dentistry: introduction, technology and systems evaluation, and exercise. MedEdPORTAL. 2016. doi:10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10487
  5. Miranda F, Barone S, Gillot M, Baquero B, Anchling L, Hutin N, et al. Artificial intelligence applications in orthodontics. J Calif Dent Assoc. 2023;51(1). doi:10.1080/19424396.2023.2195585
  6. Melenikiotis S, Pereira Vianna C, Caldas W, Carvalho Trojan L, et al. Using the digital flow to increase efficiency in complex partial rehabilitation with dental implants. Case Rep Dent. 2022;2022:7525837. doi:10.1155/2022/7525837
  7. Franchina A, Stefanelli LV, Gorini S, Fedi S, et al. Digital approach for the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla with pterygoid and standard implants: static and dynamic computer-aided protocols. Methods Protoc. 2020;3(4):84. doi:10.3390/mps3040084
  8. Oye E, Owen A. Revolutionary advancements in CAD/CAM systems: transforming the future of dental restoration. 2024.
  9. Mühlemann S, Greter EA, Park JM, Hämmerle CHF, et al. Precision of digital implant models compared to conventional implant models for posterior single implant crowns: a within-subject comparison. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2018;29:931–939. doi:10.1111/clr.13349
  10. Ibrahim AMM, Wei LI, Mourad AHI, Mohamed AE, Abd El-Naby AM, et al. Cooling and lubrication techniques in grinding: a state-of-the-art review, applications, and sustainability assessment. Chin J Aeronaut. 2023;36(7):76–113.
  11. AhmadAbadi MN, Goharifar A, Mahabadi M. Effect of fabrication methods and material type on the fracture strength of provisional restorations. Dent Res J. 2023;20(1):86.
  12. Pyo SW, Lim YJ, Koo KT, Lee J. Methods used to assess the 3D accuracy of dental implant positions in computer-guided implant placement: a review. J Clin Med. 2019;8(1):54. doi:10.3390/jcm8010054
  13. Janeva N, Kovacevska G, Janev E. Complete dentures fabricated with CAD/CAM technology and a traditional clinical recording method. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017;5(6):785–789. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2017.169
  14. Alghauli MA, Aljohani W, Almutairi S, Aljohani R, Alqutaibi AY. Advancements in digital data acquisition and CAD technology in dentistry. Clin eHealth. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.ceh.2025.03.001
  15. Mühlemann S, Kraus RD, Hämmerle CHF, Thoma DS. Is the use of digital technologies for the fabrication of implant-supported reconstructions more efficient than conventional techniques? A systematic review. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2018;29:184–195. doi:10.1111/clr.13300
  16. Mühlemann S, Hjerppe J, Hämmerle CHF, Thoma DS. Production time, effectiveness and costs of additive and subtractive CAM of implant prostheses: a systematic review. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2021;32:127–141. doi:10.1111/clr.13801
  17. Barone S, Casinelli M, Frascaria M, Paoli A, Razionale AV. Interactive design of dental implant placements through CAD-CAM technologies. Int J Interact Des Manuf. 2016;10(2):105–117. doi:10.1007/s12008-014-0229-0
  18. Barros HLB, Oliveira MN, Cardoso IO, Oliveira GPL, et al. CAD/CAM customized abutment for rehabilitating a malpositioned implant: a case report. Healthcare. 2023;11(18):2472. doi:10.3390/healthcare11182472
  19. Alaoffey AS, Asiri MA, Alhazmi TAA, Alshetaiwi AA, et al. Digital dentistry: transforming diagnosis and treatment planning through CAD/CAM and 3D printing. Egypt J Chem. 2024. doi:10.21608/ejchem.2024.332979.10717
  20. Sánchez-Riofrío D, Viñas MJ, Ustrell-Torrent JM. CBCT and CAD-CAM technology to design a minimally invasive maxillary expander. BMC Oral Health. 2020;20:303. doi:10.1186/s12903-020-01292-3
  21. Lefrançois E, Delanoue V, Morice S, Ravalec X, Desclos-Theveniau M. A digital approach for a complete rehabilitation with fixed and removable prostheses: a technical procedure. Dent J. 2025;13(1):7. doi:10.3390/dj13010007
  22. Auduc C, Douillard T, Nicolas E, El Osta N. Fully digital workflow in full-arch implant rehabilitation: a descriptive methodological review. Prosthesis. 2025;7(4):85. doi:10.3390/prosthesis7040085
  23. Nguyen AHQ, Huynh NCN, Nguyen ONH, Nguyen NDM, Phan HH, Kim JE, et al. In vitro accuracy of the virtual patient model with maxillomandibular relationship at centric occlusion using a 3D-printed customized transfer key. BDJ Open. 2025;11(1):8. doi:10.1038/s41405-025-00303-1
  24. Vyas R, Tadinada A. Three-dimensional evaluation of the anterior mandible as a safe zone for implant placement. Cureus. 2023;15(4):e38084. doi:10.7759/cureus.38084
  25. Ishida Y, Kuwajima Y, Kobayashi T, Yonezawa Y, et al. Current implementation of digital dentistry for removable prosthodontics in US dental schools. Case Rep Dent. 2022;2022:7331185. doi:10.1155/2022/7331185
  26. Scolozzi P, Michelini F, Crottaz C, Perez A. Computer-aided design and computer-aided modeling for guiding dental implant surgery: a personal reflection based on 10 years of real-life experience. J Pers Med. 2023;13(1):129. doi:10.3390/jpm13010129
  27. Spector L. Computer-aided dental implant planning. Dent Clin North Am. 2008;52(4):761–775. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2008.05.004
  28. Nokar S, Moslehifard E, Bahman T, Bayanzadeh M, Nasirpouri F, Nokar A. Accuracy of implant placement using a CAD/CAM surgical guide: an in vitro study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2011;26(3):520–526.
  29. Mangano F, Mangano C, Margiani B, Admakin O. Combining intraoral and face scans for the design and fabrication of CAD/CAM PEEK implant-supported bars for maxillary overdentures. Case Rep Dent. 2019;2019:4274715. doi:10.1155/2019/4274715
  30. Susic I, Travar M, Susic M. Application of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry. IOP Conf Ser Mater Sci Eng. 2017;200:012020. doi:10.1088/1757-899X/200/1/012020
  31. Baig MR, Rajan G, Rajan M. Edentulous arch treatment with a CAD/CAM screw-retained framework and cemented crowns: a clinical case report. J Oral Implantol. 2009;35(6):295–299. doi:10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-09-00012R1
  32. Froimovici FO, Butnărașu CC, Montanari M, Săndulescu M. Fixed full-arch implant-supported restorations: techniques review and proposal for improvement. Dent J. 2024;12(12):408. doi:10.3390/dj12120408
  33. Mohajerani R, Djalalinia S, Alikhasi M. Effects of scan body geometry on precision and trueness of implant impressions using intraoral scanners: a systematic review. Dent J. 2025;13(6):252. doi:10.3390/dj13060252
  34. Revilla-León M, Lanis A, Yilmaz B, Kois JC, Gallucci GO. Intraoral digital implant scans: parameters to improve accuracy. J Prosthodont. 2023;32(Suppl 2):150–164. doi:10.1111/jopr.13749
  35. Kropfeld J, Berger L, Adler W, Schulz KL, Motel C, Wichmann M, et al. Impact of scanbody geometry and CAD software on determining 3D implant position. Dent J. 2024;12(4):94. doi:10.3390/dj12040094
  36. Elghazally AS. Effect of scan body design on the accuracy of implant position in implant-supported prosthesis. Future Dent J. 2023;9(2):151–155. doi:10.54623/fdj.90214
  37. Rungrojwittayakul O, Kan JY, Shiozaki K, Swamidass RS, Goodacre BJ, Goodacre CJ, et al. Accuracy of 3D-printed models created by two technologies with different base designs. J Prosthodont. 2020;29(2):124–128. doi:10.1111/jopr.13107
  38. Mori G, Iwai K, Oda Y, Furuya Y, Yajima Y. Full-arch implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis retained by galvano-telescopic copings and screws: a clinical report. J Prosthodont. 2019;28(9):947–950. doi:10.1111/jopr.13117
  39. Rustichini F, Romolini R, Salmi MC, Gennai L, Vermigli F, Mangano FG. Implant-supported full-arch fixed dental prostheses manufactured through a direct digital workflow using a calibrated splinting framework: a retrospective clinical study. J Dent. 2025;154:105605.
  40. AlRasheedi MM, Ibrahem FB. Influence of CAD/CAM technology on the accuracy of complete denture bases. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2025;17(Suppl 1):S565–S567.
  41. Jain S, Sayed ME, Shetty M, Alqahtani SM, Al Wadei MH, Gupta SG, et al. Physical and mechanical properties of 3D-printed provisional crowns and fixed dental prosthesis resins compared with CAD/CAM milled and conventional provisional resins: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Polymers. 2022;14(13):2691. doi:10.3390/polym14132691
  42. Lanzetti J, Crupi A, Gibello U, Ambrogio G, Longhi B, Roccuzzo A, et al. Frequency of removal of implant-supported full-arch dental prostheses for supportive peri-implant care: a systematic review. Int J Oral Implantol. 2024;17(1):45–57.
  43. Peñarrocha-Diago MA, Maestre-Ferrín L, Demarchi CL, Peñarrocha-Oltra D, Peñarrocha-Diago M. Immediate versus nonimmediate implant placement for full-arch fixed restorations: a preliminary study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;69(1):154–159. doi:10.1016/j.joms.2010.07.083
  44. Patzelt SBM, Spies BC, Kohal RJ. CAD/CAM-fabricated implant-supported restorations: a systematic review. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2015;26(Suppl 11):77–85. doi:10.1111/clr.12633
  45. Kapos T, Evans C. CAD/CAM technology for implant abutments, crowns, and superstructures. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2014;29(Suppl):117–136. doi:10.11607/jomi.2014suppl.g2.3
  46. Kutkut A, Abu-Hammad O, Mitchell R. Esthetic considerations for reconstructing implant emergence profile using titanium and zirconia custom abutments: a 50-case series. J Oral Implantol. 2015;41(5):554–561.
  47. Stoeva D, Mateeva G, Jevremovic D, Jevremović A, Trifkovic B, Filtchev D. Mechanical resistance of implant-supported crowns with abutments exhibiting different margin designs. Appl Sci. 2025;15(9):5193. doi:10.3390/app15095193
  48. de Carvalho Formiga M, Fuller R, Ardelean LC, Shibli JA. 3D-printed CAD/CAM implant abutment for angulated implant correction in the esthetic zone: a case report. J Curr Res Oral Surg. 2024;4(1):14–19.
  49. Yilmaz B, Azak AN, Alp G, Ekşi H. Use of CAD/CAM technology for the fabrication of complete dentures: an alternative technique. J Prosthet Dent. 2017;118(2):140–143. doi:10.1016/j.prosdent.2016.10.016
  50. Suganna M, Kausher H, Ahmed ST, Alharbi HS, Alsubaie BF, Haleem S, et al. Contemporary evidence of CAD-CAM in dentistry: a systematic review. Cureus. 2022;14(11):e31787. doi:10.7759/cureus.31687
  51. Al-Ibrahim IK, Alshammari FA, Alanazi SM, Madfa AA. Attitude of Saudi dentists towards CAD/CAM in restorative dentistry. Open Dent J. 2023;17(1). doi:10.2174/18742106-v17-230316-2022-99
  52. Shetty MS, Shenoy KK. Techniques for evaluating the fit of removable and fixed prosthesis. ISRN Dent. 2011;2011:348372. doi:10.5402/2011/348372
  53. Lyapina M, Yaneva-Deliverska M, Deliversky J, Kisselova A. European and international standards on medical devices for dentistry. J IMAB. 2015;21(1):713–717. doi:10.5272/jimab.2015211.713.

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.