Conservative Surgical Management of Conventional Ameloblastoma in Children and Young Adults: Clinical and Radiological Outcomes from a Case Series

Abstract

Background: Although radical resection of ameloblastoma minimizes recurrence, it often results in significant morbidity. Conservative surgery has gained attention, particularly in children, for preserving mandibular integrity and function.The objective of the study was to present the clinical and radiological outcomes of conservative surgical management of mandibular conventional ameloblastoma in children and young adults.

Case Series: Three patients aged 11–14 years with histologically confirmed conventional ameloblastoma of the mandible underwent conservative management via intraoral enucleation and curettage. Preoperative clinical and radiological assessments were performed, and follow-up was conducted for up to five years (mean: two years). Postoperative bone regeneration, functional recovery, and recurrence were evaluated. All cases involved the mandibular molar–ramus region and presented as painless swellings with multilocular radiolucencies. Conservative surgical treatment resulted in satisfactory healing and spontaneous bone regeneration, evident by the third postoperative month. Mandibular contour and function were fully restored, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up.

Conclusion: Conservative surgical management of conventional ameloblastoma can be effective in well-selected pediatric and young adult patients. It promotes bone regeneration, preserves mandibular structure, and minimizes the morbidity associated with radical resection.

Keywords: Ameloblastoma, Enucleation, Curettage, Mandible, Bone regeneration, Pediatric, Young adult