A system for use in preparing a dental prosthesis comprises a signal generator for generating an electrical signal encoding geometric specifications of a dental prosthesis, the specifications including dimensions and shape of a tooth preparation at a dental site at which the prosthesis is to be affixed and configuration of the prosthesis. The system further comprises a robot mechanism for placing a first mold component and a second mold component, selected in accordance with the electrical signal, in predetermined relative positions to form a mold cavity, the first mold component corresponding in shape and dimensions to the tooth preparation. The system also comprises a filling device, a furnace and a computer. The filling device serves to introduce into the mold cavity a quantity of a fluidic solidifiable dental material such as a liquid or liquifiable precious metal or alloy or composite material. The metal or alloy may be in any of a number of equivalent forms, for example, powder, pellets or ingots. The robot mechanism and the filling device are at least partially disposed inside the furnace. The computer is operatively connected to the robot mechanism and the filling device for controlling and sequencing the operation thereof.