Objective To explore the effect of CAD/CAM zirconia post and core on mechanical and functional properties of teeth in patients with anterior tooth defect. Methods A total of 80 patients with anterior tooth defect admitted to Jiangmen Municipal Stomatological Hospital from January 2023 to January 2025 were selected as the research subjects, and they were divided into the control group and the observation group by the random number table method, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received traditional metal post and core restoration, and the observation group received CAD/CAM zirconia post and core restoration. The aesthetic effect, mechanical and functional properties of teeth, and process quality were compared between the two groups. Results After restoration, the color matching, natural shape, marginal adaptation and surface gloss in the observation group were all better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After restoration, the fracture resistance, masticatory efficiency and surface hardness in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After restoration, the processing accuracy, surface ffnish and sintering dimensional stability in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion CAD/CAM zirconia post and core can not only meet the high aesthetic requirements of patients with anterior tooth defect, but also effectively restore the mechanical and functional properties of teeth. Its digital manufacturing process further ensures the accuracy and long-term stability of the restoration.