Case 33, part 2. Ameloblastoma of the mandible

A 34-year-old black man underwent a left hemimandibulectomy with disarticulation for eradication of an extensive ameloblastoma. The resected mandible was immediately reconstructed by means of a titanium crib with an attached artificial condyle, which was overpacked with particulate bone removed from the iliac crest. Postoperative function and esthetics have been satisfactory. Histopathologic examination of the lesion disclosed an ameloblastoma with some features similar to those of a calcifying odontogenic cyst.