The method is used for automated production of dental prostheses in the form of ceramic restorations or ceramic abutments of dental implants, using a computer-controlled laser for shaping by means of removal of material from a ceramic blank. The special feature is that at least one three-dimensionally contoured surface region of the dental prosthesis (4, 8) is machined out of the ceramic blank (3) by means of an ultra-short-pulse laser (1) and shaped into the predetermined shape. Preferably, the ultra-short-pulse laser is first employed in such a way that the great majority of the material to be removed from the ceramic blank is cut off in pieces by the ultra-short-pulse laser, and then the ultra-short-pulse laser need merely vaporize the remainder in an erosive operation.