UNICYSTIC AMELOBLASTOMA: REHABILITATION WITH CHIN GRAFT HARVESTED AND IMPLANT-SUPPORTED FIXED PROSTHESIS

Abstract

Objective. The objective is to present a clinical case of a 38-year-old male with a maxillary unicystic ameloblastoma treated by means of tumor block resection followed by chin-harvested graft placement in order to place two dental implants for esthetic and functional rehabilitation. Methods. Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor characterized by local aggression and a high rate of recurrence; the latter partly depends on how it is treated. Complete resection of the tumor, which usually prevents recurrence, produces bone defects of varying size that must be reconstructed later on. In most cases this is done using bone grafts and implant-supported prostheses. Grafts harvested from the chin are relatively easy to obtain and enjoy a fairly uneventful post-operative with few complications; they are suitable for cases in which the defect generated by resection is of small size. Results. Functional and esthetic rehabilitation and the tumor has not relapsed during a 7-year follow-up. Conclusion. Tumor block resection followed by chin-harvested graft placement and dental implants is a safe treatment for patients with unicystic ameloblastoma.