Guided osteotomy: A conservative method for periapical surgery with the aid of cone-beam computed tomography and three-dimensional printing technology

Abstract

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), a modern technology in three-dimensional imaging has gained wide acceptance in the field of endodontics. Treatment strategies and surgical guidance have both benefited from this strategy. By the use of conventional periapical radiographs sometime the intraoral localization of root apex is found to be difficult and it is inescapable to prevent significant amount of bone removal. Moreover, the duration of retraction of gingival flap increases and more amount of alveolar bone removal are usually required, leading to prolonged time of surgery. The more intraoperative time, the higher are the chances of postoperative pain, discomfort and even leads to increase risk of infection. The combination of intraoral or extraoral scan and CBCT provides favorable treatment outcomes. Leveraging CBCT, computer-aided design, and three-dimensional printing technology, this case report discusses a method of periapical surgery using a surgical template for guided osteotomy and root resection of the maxillary central incisor.