Abstract

Ameloblastomas are the second most common odontogenic tumor (odontoma is the most common) and account for up to one-third of such cases. It accounts for approximately 1 of all tumors and cysts that occur in the jaw and can develop at any age, with peak prevalence in recent years. It most commonly appears in the third to fifth decades, with equal frequency between sexes. Ameloblastoma occurs predominantly in the mandibular molar and the ramus areas. Ameloblastoma may be discovered during a routine radiographic examination or as a clinically observed developing mass. It has a characteristic, but not diagnostic, radiographic appearance. It can be treated by enucleation, bone curettage or wide resection. The rate of local recurrence is high when it is treated inadequately. We describe the clinical and radiologic behavior of ameloblastoma and discuss treatment protocols and the possibility of conservative management of this tumor. The challenges in the management of this tumor are to provide complete excision as recurrence may occur in incomplete removal and also to reconstruct the bony defect in order to give reasonable cosmetic and functional outcome to the patient. So, the aim of the current study was to investigate the ameloblastomas invasion into inferior mandibular nerve.