Abstract
Most ameloblastomas occur as intraosseous tumor arising from residues of odontogenic epithelium. A few peripheral ameloblastomas, however, appear to arise directly from the surface epithelium or dental lamina lying outside the bones. Moreover, peripheral ameloblastoma in children is relatively uncommon. The case presented here is a very rare peripheral ameloblastoma occurring in the gingiva of an infant.
A swelling of gingiva with bleeding appeared at the right mandible of a 21-month-old boy. Clinical diagnosis was benign tumor. The tumor was excised under general anesthesia. A dental sac like mass under the tumor was conserved. Pathological diagnosis was peripheral ameloblastoma. His intra-oral swelling recurred at seven years old. In the radiograph three impacted supernumerary teeth were recognized in the lesion. Then the teeth were extracted, and orthodontic therapy has been treated.
It is thought that the radical surgical excision is not necessary in children ameloblastoma. The good occulusion can be obtained by the orthodontic treatment after the conservative surgical excision or curettage.
