The advent of computers and interactive computer graphics laid the groundwork for a revolution in dentistry. Dental CAD/CAM systems can at least match the quality of cast restorations.
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a wide range of computer-based tools that assist dentists, prosthetics and other professionals in their design activities.
On the manufacturing area we have computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems which produces quicker and more efficient manufacturing processes. With new technologies for fabrication (like milling and edm), a whole array of new materials, which were historically difficult or impossible to manipulate, suddenly become viable possibilities.

In shorts, these tools gives the professional the possibility of doing rather complex prosthetic rehabilitations on natural teeth or implant abutments, relying upon modern means and technologies.