Digitalization in restorative dentistry

Abstract

Digitalization is the first step involving a digital restorative dentistry workflow. Although the digitalization process was initially confined to CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) dental procedures, nowadays a much wider range of dental procedures have been revolutionized by their ongoing digitalization. Digitalization consists basically of converting any physical 2D or 3D volume into an electronic information language codified in terms of only two possible digits (0 or 1) normally contained in an informatic file. The number of digitalized procedures and devices that have been incorporated into restorative dentistry is substantially growing. Digital photograph cameras, spectrophotometers for tooth shade matching, intraoral and extraoral scanners and 2D/3D radiological devices, spectrophotogrammetry, facial scanners, and jaw track motion systems are the main devices used to obtain digital information in restorative dentistry. The aim of this chapter is to describe to the reader the characteristics of every single family of devices as well as their specific nomenclature, features, and the types of file used.