Cam dental
In dentistry, CAM means computer-aided manufacturing, which turns a digital design into a restoration or appliance.
The short answer
Dental CAM is computer-aided manufacturing: a milling machine or 3D printer makes a restoration, model, surgical guide, or appliance from a digital design.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The workflow commonly starts with an intraoral scan or a scanned impression. Design software defines the shape and contacts, then a machine mills blocks such as ceramic or zirconia, or prints a suitable resin, followed by finishing and clinical fitting.
What can you do next?
Ask which component is being made, what material is selected, how the fit and bite are checked, and whether staining, glazing, sintering, or polishing is needed. Bring information about allergies, grinding, and previous restorations.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek care if a CAM-made crown or appliance feels high, traps food, cuts the gum, loosens, or causes bite or jaw pain. Adjustment or remake decisions require checking the fit and the supporting tooth.
What should you ask the dentist?
Is CAM the same as CAD/CAM dentistry? Which dental materials can CAM equipment make?
Frequently asked questions
Is CAM the same as CAD/CAM dentistry?
The workflow commonly starts with an intraoral scan or a scanned impression. Design software defines the shape and contacts, then a machine mills blocks such as ceramic or zirconia, or prints a suitable resin, followed by finishing and clinical fitting.
Which dental materials can CAM equipment make?
Ask which component is being made, what material is selected, how the fit and bite are checked, and whether staining, glazing, sintering, or polishing is needed. Bring information about allergies, grinding, and previous restorations.