Ameloblastoma located in the alveolar bone: a case report

A small ameloblastoma located in the alveolar bone of a 34-year-old male is presented. Clinical examination revealed slight swelling of the alveolar bone between the lower second premolar and first molar areas with bone-like hardness, and radiographic examination showed a well circumscribed radiolucent lesion surrounded by a thin radiopaque layer, within which was contained the root of the second premolar tooth. Histopathologically, the lesion was compatible with a diagnosis of follicular ameloblastoma. A review of the literature yielded only four cases of small ameloblastoma located in the alveolar bone. These four previously reported cases and the present case strongly suggest that a small ameloblastoma located in the alveolar bone of adults arises from Malassez's epithelial rests scattered in the periodontal membrane.