Ameloblastomas

Ameloblastomas are slow-growing, destuctive lesions of the jaws. They have a wide age distribution and occur in both sexes. In considering the treatment of these lesions, one must take into consideration the patient's age, the patient's concern for his (her) functional, social and aesthetic requirements. It is not unreasonable to aim at a conservative approach first, then radical surgery when the lesion recurs. Small lesions can be treated by local block excision or curettage. For large lesions and recurrences in the mandible, jaw resection and immediate bone graft is indicated. In the author's experience, split iliac crest graft gives the best clinical result.