Ameloblastoma is a rare, benign tumor that develops in the jawbone, typically affecting the mandible (lower jaw) or maxilla (upper jaw). While it's not cancerous, it can cause significant damage if left untreated. **What is Ameloblastoma?**: Ameloblastoma is a slow-growing tumor that originates from the cells that form tooth enamel. It's the most common benign tumor of the jaw and can cause bone destruction and tooth displacement. **Types of Ameloblastoma**: 1. **Conventional Ameloblastoma**: Most common type, slow-growing 2. **Unicystic Ameloblastoma**: Develops within a single cyst 3. **Peripheral Ameloblastoma**: Grows in soft tissues around the jaw 4. **Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma**: Contains more fibrous tissue **Symptoms and Signs**: - **Painless Swelling**: Gradual enlargement of the jaw - **Tooth Displacement**: Teeth may move or become loose - **Facial Deformity**: Visible changes in jaw shape - **Difficulty Chewing**: Problems with bite alignment - **Numbness**: Tingling or numbness in the lower lip - **Tooth Root Resorption**: Teeth may become shorter **Diagnosis**: - **Clinical Examination**: Physical assessment of the jaw - **X-rays**: Panoramic and periapical radiographs - **CT Scan**: Detailed imaging of the tumor - **MRI**: Soft tissue evaluation - **Biopsy**: Tissue sample for definitive diagnosis **Treatment Options**: 1. **Surgical Removal**: - **Enucleation**: Removal of the tumor only - **Resection**: Removal of tumor and surrounding bone - **Reconstruction**: Restoring jaw function and appearance 2. **Reconstructive Surgery**: - **Bone Grafts**: Using your own bone or synthetic materials - **Dental Implants**: Replacing missing teeth - **Prosthetic Devices**: Temporary or permanent replacements **Prognosis and Outlook**: - **Excellent Survival Rate**: Nearly 100% with proper treatment - **Recurrence Risk**: 10-15% chance of recurrence - **Long-term Monitoring**: Regular follow-up appointments - **Quality of Life**: Most patients return to normal function **Post-Treatment Care**: - **Regular Follow-ups**: Monitor for recurrence - **Oral Hygiene**: Maintain excellent dental care - **Diet Modifications**: Soft foods during healing - **Physical Therapy**: Restore jaw function **Risk Factors**: - **Age**: Most common in adults 30-60 years old - **Gender**: Slightly more common in men - **Race**: More common in certain ethnic groups - **Previous Trauma**: Jaw injuries may increase risk At Indira Dental Clinic, we work with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to provide comprehensive care for ameloblastoma patients, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up care.