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 Dr. Raed Ajlouni
                              Dr. Raed Ajlouni
Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry researchers will begin a research study in October to evaluate the clinical performance of computer-aided designed and manufactured ceramic restorations.

Researchers will evaluate 60 patients receiving one or more ceramic restorations for up to four years. Such restorations include tooth colored inlays, onlays or crowns used to repair or cover damaged teeth and improve cosmetic appearance. All research participants for this study have been identified.

Principal investigator for the project, Dr. Raed Ajlouni, associate professor in general dentistry at HSC-BCD, will assess the function and durability of CAD/CAM restorations in a research study funded by D4D Technologies in Richardson, Texas. He is assisted in his research by Dr. Mohsen Taleghani, professor and chair of general dentistry at HSC-BCD, and Drs. Paul Nelson, Victor Setien, Susan Roshan and Stanley Ashworth, all of whom are assistant clinical professors in general dentistry at the college.

Ajlouni explains that the CAD/CAM dental system replaces the conventional impression with an optical or digital impression taken for the prepared tooth using an intraoral imaging camera or scanner to record a three dimensional model. 

“After the optical impression, the dentist has to use a computer interface to trace the margins, establish the height and contacts of the restoration and design the restoration,” says Ajlouni. “The designed restoration is then fabricated in the milling unit according to the information available in the computer interface generated by the operator’s design.”

The restoration can be bonded in place at the same appointment, eliminating the need for the patient to be fitted in a temporary appliance for two to three weeks or return for a second office visit.

The technology behind this process is not new, but Ajlouni and his research team hope to uncover new information about the fabrication and performance of ceramic restorations and more specifically, CAD/CAM restorations.

Ajlouni notes that CAD/CAM restorations are increasing in popularity because of their consumer benefits.

“Compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations, the all-ceramic restoration provides superior esthetics, biocompatibility, abrasion resistance and low thermal conductivity in addition to improved patient satisfaction,” says Ajlouni.

“CAD/CAM technology is a very advanced tool and should have more applications in dental practice,” continues Ajlouni.