A novel method for soft tissue retraction during periapical surgery using 3D technology: A case report

TY - JOUR

T1 - A novel method for soft tissue retraction during periapical surgery using 3D technology

T2 - A case report

AU - Patel, Shanon

AU - Aldowaisan, A.

AU - Dawood, A.

PY - 2016/10/12

Y1 - 2016/10/12

N2 - Aim: This case report describes a new approach to isolation and soft tissue retraction during endodontic surgery using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), computer-aided design (CAD) and three-dimensional (3D) printing. Summary: A 53-year-old patient presented for endodontic treatment of her maxillary left central incisor. It was decided to treat this tooth with a microsurgical approach. The data from the diagnostic CBCT scan were also used to make a physical model of the operative site, and CAD software was used to design a soft tissue retractor to be used during the patient's surgery. A custom retractor was then fabricated using a 3D printer. The custom-made retractor enhanced visualization and soft tissue handling during the patient's surgery. The patient was asymptomatic at a 1-year review. No abnormalities were detected during her clinical examination, and radiographic examination revealed complete healing of the surgical site. Key learning points: The significance of proper soft tissue retraction in periapical microsurgery is underemphasized. Geometric data from CBCT scans may be harvested for a variety of uses, adding value to the examination. 3D printing is a promising technology that may potentially have many uses in endodontic surgery.

AB - Aim: This case report describes a new approach to isolation and soft tissue retraction during endodontic surgery using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), computer-aided design (CAD) and three-dimensional (3D) printing. Summary: A 53-year-old patient presented for endodontic treatment of her maxillary left central incisor. It was decided to treat this tooth with a microsurgical approach. The data from the diagnostic CBCT scan were also used to make a physical model of the operative site, and CAD software was used to design a soft tissue retractor to be used during the patient's surgery. A custom retractor was then fabricated using a 3D printer. The custom-made retractor enhanced visualization and soft tissue handling during the patient's surgery. The patient was asymptomatic at a 1-year review. No abnormalities were detected during her clinical examination, and radiographic examination revealed complete healing of the surgical site. Key learning points: The significance of proper soft tissue retraction in periapical microsurgery is underemphasized. Geometric data from CBCT scans may be harvested for a variety of uses, adding value to the examination. 3D printing is a promising technology that may potentially have many uses in endodontic surgery.

KW - 3D printing

KW - Apical periodontitis

KW - Cone-beam computed tomography

KW - Endodontic microsurgery

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84991508992&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1111/iej.12701

DO - 10.1111/iej.12701

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:84991508992

SN - 0143-2885

JO - International Endodontic Journal

JF - International Endodontic Journal

ER -