Method and apparatus for fabrication of dental restoration by pinhead molding

A method for fabrication of a restoration for a patient's dentition by pinhead molding, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) examining the patient's dentition;
• (b) adjusting the occlusion to optimize function of the dentition;
• (c) restoring gross areas of tooth loss with a temporary filling material;
• (d) preparing a first impression of the dentition to be restored;
• (e) scanning the first impression to provided a first set of impression data;
• (f) appropriately isolating and preparing the dentition;
• (g) preparing a second impression of the prepared dentition;
• (h) scanning the second impression to provide a second set of impression data;
• (i) comparing the first and second sets of impression data to generate a third set of data descriptive of the restoration to be prepared;
• (j) forming the restoration by pinhead molding of a flowable composite material in accordance with the third set of data;
• and
• (k) curing the composite material.

An apparatus for fabrication of a restoration for a patient's dentition comprising:

• means for scanning a first optically correct impression of the dentition after restoration of gross areas of tooth loss and restoration of proper anatomy and contour of the dentition to provide a first data set;
• means for scanning a second optically correct impression of the dentition after appropriate isolation and preparation of the patient's dentition to provide a second data set;
• means for comparing the first and second data sets and deriving a third data set based upon the comparison, the third data set being descriptive of a restoration to be prepared;
• and
• means for forming the restoration by pinhead molding of a flowable composite material in accordance with the third data set.