Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the application effect of digital preoperative diagnosis, planning, 3D printing technology and related surgical template. Methods: A patient suffered from the failure of root canal therapy was chosen. An open position cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) before the surgery was made. A model was fabricated following the step of silicone rubber impression manufacture and model pouring. Surface scan was performed and matched using software. A virtual template was designed using software, and the data were exported as a .STL file and sent to a 3D printer for template fabrication. The minimally invasive apical surgery was then performed with the pre-made 3D printing template. Results: The periapical pathological tissue was removed accurately with minimum lesion to osseous tissue. The operation time was reduced and the patient’s satisfaction and comfort were improved. Conclusion: The digital technology and the 3D printing template used in this case were visualize and accurate, which accelerated the clinical procedure of treating apical periodontitis and thus lowered the technique sensitivity.

Key words: Chronic apical periodontitis, Endodontic microsurgery, Three-dimensional printed, Surgical template, Minimally invasive