A method of making a prosthetic dental item comprises selecting a block having a square or rectangular cross-section along is extent, wherein said block comprises polyetheretherketone and, optionally, an apatite, wherein said polymeric material has a crystallinity of at least 25%. The method comprises machining the block in dependence upon data collated using digital technology. Since the crystallinity of the material selected is high, a post-machining step whereby crystallinity is increased can be avoided, and dental items of high precision can be formed.
