Augmented Reality-Assisted Micro-Invasive Apicectomy with Markerless Visual–Inertial Odometry: An In Vivo Pilot Study

Introduction: Apicectomy is an endodontic surgical procedure prescribed for persistent periapical pathologies when conventional root canal therapy or retreatment have failed. Accurate intraoperative visualization of the root apex and surrounding structures remains challenging and subject to possible errors. Augmented reality (AR) allows for the addition of real-time digital overlays of the anatomical region, thus potentially improving surgical precision and reducing invasiveness. The purpose of this pilot study is to describe the application of an AR method in cases requiring apicectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with chronic persistent apical radio-translucency associated with pain underwent AR-assisted apicectomy. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained preoperatively for segmentation of the target root apex and adjacent anatomical structures. A custom visual–inertial odometry (VIO) algorithm was used to map and stabilize the segmented digital 3D models on a portable device in real time, enabling an overlay of digital guides onto the operative field. The duration of preoperative procedures, was recorded. Postoperative pain measured by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and periapical healing assessed with radiographic evaluations, were recorded at baseline (T0) and at 6 weeks and 6 months (T1–T2) after surgery. Results: AR-assisted apicectomies were successfully performed in all three patients without intraoperative complications. The digital overlap procedure required an average of [1.49 ± 0.34] minutes. VAS scores decreased significantly from T0 to T2, and patients showed radiographic evidence of progressive periapical healing. No patient reported persistent discomfort at follow-up. Conclusion: This preliminary pilot study indicates that AR-assisted apicectomy is feasible and may improve intraoperative visualization with low additional surgical time. Future larger-scale studies with control groups are needed to validate the method proposed and to quantify the outcomes. Clinical Significance: By integrating real-time digital images of bony structures and root morphology, AR guidance during apicectomy may offer enhanced precision for apical resection and may decrease the risk of iatrogenic damage. The use of a visual–inertial odometry-based AR method is a novel technique that demonstrated promising results in terms of VAS and final outcomes, especially in anatomically challenging cases in this preliminary pilot study.