Modern dentistry continues to evolve, and CAD/CAM technology has transformed how dental restorations are planned, created, and placed. At Sommers Family Dentistry in Norwalk, Ohio, CAD/CAM allows our team to deliver precise, high-quality restorations with greater efficiency, comfort, and accuracy for patients.
CAD/CAM technology supports same-day dental restorations, which means many crowns, bridges, and veneers can be designed and completed in a single visit. This advanced approach reduces wait times, minimizes the need for temporary restorations, and helps patients return to their daily routines more quickly.
Our use of CAD/CAM reflects a commitment to modern dental technology that enhances patient care while maintaining a conservative, detail-focused approach to long-term oral health.
CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. In dentistry, this technology is used to digitally design and fabricate dental restorations such as crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges, and veneers.
Instead of relying solely on traditional impressions and external dental laboratories, CAD/CAM allows dentists to capture a digital scan of your teeth and design restorations with specialized software. The final restoration is then created using a milling machine that shapes durable dental materials with exceptional precision.
This digital workflow reduces human error, improves fit, and streamlines the entire restoration process.
CAD/CAM dentistry combines several steps into one efficient, integrated process.
Digital Scanning
The process begins with digital impressions of your teeth. An intraoral scanner captures detailed images of your mouth without the need for traditional impression materials or bulky trays. These digital scans provide an accurate model of your teeth and bite.
Digital Design
Using CAD software, your dentist designs the restoration on a computer screen. The shape, size, and contours are carefully adjusted to ensure a precise fit that blends naturally with surrounding teeth.
Milling and Fabrication
Once the design is finalized, the digital file is sent to a milling machine. This machine carves the restoration from a solid block of dental material, such as ceramic or zirconia, with a high level of accuracy.
Final Placement
After milling, the restoration is refined, polished, and placed. Your dentist checks the fit, bite, and appearance before securely bonding it into place.
This entire process often takes place during a single appointment.
One of the most significant advantages of CAD/CAM technology is the ability to complete restorations in a single visit. Traditional dental procedures often require multiple appointments, temporary restorations, and waiting periods while a dental laboratory fabricates the final piece.
With CAD/CAM, many restorations can be completed the same day, including:
This streamlined approach saves time while maintaining a high standard of quality and durability.
CAD/CAM technology offers several benefits that directly improve the patient experience.
Benefits may include:
By completing restorations in a single appointment, patients experience less disruption to their schedules and fewer return visits.
Digital design and milling allow for a level of precision that is difficult to achieve with traditional methods alone. CAD/CAM restorations are created based on highly detailed digital scans, which reduces inconsistencies and improves overall fit.
A precise fit helps support long-term oral health by:
This accuracy plays a crucial role in the success and longevity of dental restorations.
Patient comfort is an important part of modern dentistry. CAD/CAM technology helps improve comfort by eliminating traditional impressions that many patients find uncomfortable.
Digital scanning is quick and minimally invasive. The scanner captures images in seconds, reducing chair time and easing concerns for patients with sensitive gag reflexes. Fewer appointments and faster treatment completion also contribute to a more relaxed dental experience.
CAD/CAM restorations are designed with long-term oral health in mind. Because restorations are digitally planned and precisely fabricated, they integrate smoothly with natural teeth and surrounding tissues.
Well-fitted restorations help protect teeth from further damage, support proper bite function, and reduce wear on adjacent teeth. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, CAD/CAM restorations can provide reliable performance for many years.
At Sommers Family Dentistry, CAD/CAM technology supports a range of restorative and cosmetic treatments. This technology is used to enhance accuracy and efficiency while maintaining a conservative approach to care.
CAD/CAM may be used for:
Your dentist will evaluate your dental needs and determine whether CAD/CAM is the appropriate solution for your treatment plan.
Traditional dental procedures often rely on external dental laboratories, which can increase wait times and require additional appointments. CAD/CAM technology allows much of the process to happen in-house.
This digital workflow improves operational efficiency while giving dentists more control over the design and fit of restorations. Patients benefit from faster turnaround times and fewer delays in treatment.
CAD/CAM plays a vital role in modern dentistry by supporting more predictable outcomes and efficient workflows. When combined with digital impressions and advanced imaging, this technology enhances the quality of dental care without compromising comfort.
At Sommers Family Dentistry, CAD/CAM is part of a broader commitment to using digital dentistry tools that support education, transparency, and long-term patient relationships.
CAD/CAM restorations may be a good option for patients who need dental crowns, veneers, or other restorations and value convenience, precision, and comfort.
Not every case is suited for same-day restorations, and your dentist will carefully review your oral health, treatment goals, and dental structure before recommending this approach. Clear communication and education are always part of the decision-making process.
Sommers Family Dentistry has proudly served families in Norwalk and surrounding communities since 1952. Our use of CAD/CAM technology reflects a balance of modern innovation and time-tested dental principles.
We believe advanced dental technology should enhance patient care, not complicate it. Our team focuses on comfort, accuracy, and results that feel natural and reliable.
If you need a dental restoration and want to learn whether CAD/CAM technology is right for you, our team is here to help.
Call (419) 668-3606 to schedule your appointment at Sommers Family Dentistry. We proudly serve patients in Norwalk, Ohio and the surrounding North Central Ohio communities.
Call today to schedule your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our Norwalk dental office and caring for your smile for years to come.
The goal of our clinic is to provide friendly, caring dentistry and the highest level of general, cosmetic, and specialist dental treatments.
Copyright © 2026. Sommers Family Dentistry. All Rights Reserved. | Powered by Whiteboard Marketing
