Large Ameloblastoma of Mandible: Our Experience with Intermaxillary Fixation

Abstract

Ameloblastomas are benign dental tumors, constituting 15% of oral neoplasms, most frequent odontogenic tumor of the jaw. Patient presenting at a late stage usually presents with large swelling with facial deformity. We present a case of 50 years old male who presented with recurrent ameloblastoma on the left side of the mandible causing facial disfigurement and functional impairment. Adequate removal of the tumor required hemimandibulectomy and intermaxillary fixation was done without any bony reconstruction. We would like to focus on the excellent postoperative result with regard to facial symmetry and functional improvement obtained in this case, though the available management protocols differ and are more advanced in current scenario. This case report gives hope and guidance to the surgeons who face difficulty in managing the deforming benign bony tumors due to the unavailability of facility and funds to reconstruct.