A simple prosthetic approach using cement-retained implant prosthesis after surgical treatment of ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor of epithelial origin that manifests itself in the maxillofacial area with marked deformity. After removal of the tumor, prosthetic reconstruction may be challenging because of extensive tissue loss, which necessitates careful treatment planning. We describe a case in which a patient lost considerable supporting tissue after excision of the tumor. The mandible was grafted with autogenous corticocancellous bone harvested from the left anterior iliac crest in a delayed manner. After healing, six implants were placed. After second-stage surgery, a new method was used to reduce thickness of the soft tissue around the implants. A cement-retained nine-unit fixed partial denture was fabricated in three clinical visits. The patient has been monitored for 5 years with no complications despite the use of cement to retain the prosthesis and the unfavorable crown-to-root ratio.