title: A novel method for soft tissue retraction during periapical surgery using 3D technology: a case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Endodontic Postgraduate Unit, King's College London Dental Institute London, London, UK.|Private Practice, London, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Endodontic Postgraduate Unit, King's College London Dental Institute London, London, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aldowaisan
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, London, UK.|Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dawood
mesh_terms: D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: 3D printing; apical periodontitis; cone-beam computed tomography; endodontic microsurgery