Surgical and Orthodontic Treatment of Unicystic Ameloblastoma Related to an Impacted Molar Tooth in the Mandible: Case Report

ABSTRACT

Ameloblastoma is an aggressive benign odontogenic epithelial tumour that may arise from the enamel organ, remnants of dental lamina, or the lining of an odontogenic cyst. It is usually categorized into solid or multicystic, unicystic, and peripheral types. Treatment ofameloblastomas include conservative methods such as marsupialisation, enucleation, and curettage; and radical treatments such as marginal or segmental resection. Radical treatments have resulted in lower recurrence rates; however, may also encounter esthetic, functional, and reconstructive problems. Unicystic ameloblastoma has been considered less aggressive and a lower recurrence tendency. Thus, many authors have recommended conservative treatment in cases of unicystic ameloblastoma. An 11 year-old boy presented with displaced second and third molars by luminal unicystic ameloblastoma in the mandible. Cyst enucleation, curettage, and third molar extraction were done. No signs of recurrence or esthetic problems such as facial asymmetry were seen radiologically and clinically, up to 8 years 2 months postoperatively.