Objective To explore the clinical effect of digital impression combined with 3D printing technology for full-crown restoration in patients undergoing full-crown restoration after root canal therapy for anterior teeth with pulpitis. Methods A total of 128 patients (128 affected teeth) who underwent full-crown restoration after root canal therapy for anterior teeth with pulpitis admitted to our hospital from May 2024 to April 2026 were selected, and they were divided into the reference group and the experimental group by the random number table method, with 64 patients (64 affected teeth) in each group. Both groups underwent digital impression. The reference group received zirconia ceramic crowns fabricated via CAD/CAM milling after impression taking, and the experimental group received zirconia ceramic crowns fabricated via 3D printing technology after impression taking. The anterior tooth restoration performance, oral function and restoration satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results The proportions of grade A restorations in terms of surface texture and marginal adaptation after anterior tooth restoration in the experimental group were higher than those in the reference group (P <0.05). The masticatory efficiency of the two groups after treatment was higher than that before treatment, and that of the experimental group was higher than that of the reference group (P <0.05). The restoration satisfaction rate of the experimental group (96.88%) was higher than that of the reference group (85.94%) (P <0.05). Conclusion The application of digital impression combined with 3D printing technology in full-crown restoration after root canal therapy for anterior teeth with pulpitis can effectively improve the surface texture and marginal adaptation of restorations, enhance patients’ restoration satisfaction, and improve oral masticatory function.