CAD/CAM-Based Prosthodontic Rehabilitation: Clinical Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction

Abstract

Background: Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has transformed fixed
 prosthodontics, enabling digital impressions, chairside or laboratory milling and the use of high-strength ceramics. Clinical evidence comparing digital and conventional workflows and reporting patient-centred outcomes remains limited.
 Aim: To evaluate the clinical performance, efficiency and patient satisfaction of single-unit crowns fabricated with a fully digital CAD/CAM workflow compared with a conventional workflow.
 Materials and methods: In this prospective [randomised / controlled] clinical study, [n] patients requiring [n] posterior single crowns were allocated to a digital group (intraoral scanning and milled [lithium disilicate / monolithic zirconia] crowns) or a conventional group (polyvinyl siloxane impressions and [laboratory-fabricated metal-ceramic] crowns).
 Clinical performance was assessed at baseline, 6 months, 1 year and [2] years using the FDI World Dental Federation criteria. Marginal fit was evaluated with the replica technique, and chairside time was recorded. Patient satisfaction and comfort were measured with visual analogue scales (VAS) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14).
 Results: At [2] years, survival was [XX.X]% in the digital group and [XX.X]% in the conventional group, and success was [XX.X]% and [XX.X]%, respectively (p [= 0.XXX]). Mean marginal gap was [XX ± SD] µm for digital and [XX ± SD] µm for conventional crowns. Total clinical time was [shorter] in the digital group ([XX ± SD] vs [XX ± SD] minutes; p [< 0.001]). Patients rated the impression procedure as [more comfortable] with intraoral scanning (VAS [XX] vs [XX]; p [< 0.001]), and overall satisfaction was [high in both groups]. OHIP-14 scores improved significantly after treatment in both groups.
 Conclusion: [CAD/CAM crowns fabricated with a fully digital workflow showed clinical performance comparable to conventional crowns, with shorter clinical time and greater patient comfort during impression-taking.] Digital workflows are a reliable option for single-unit fixed prosthodontic rehabilitation.