RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumor mostly occurring in the jaws. Ameloblastoma can be difficult to diagnose because it mimics other benign lesions. Its diagnosis requires a combination of imaging data, histopathological analysis, and molecular tests. Its treatment modality diverges from simple enucleation with bone curettage up to wide surgical resections. CASE PRESENTATION: A 25-year-old female presented with a right-sided mandibular mass for five years. Histopathology and radiology tests confirmed it to be an ameloblastoma. A hemimandibulectomy was done, followed by immediate reconstruction using an autogenously inserted iliac crest bone and a costochondral graft as an interposition graft for the lost part. The patient had a satisfactory clinical outcome, and no sign of recurrence after a follow-up of six months. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The ideal management of ameloblastoma should minimize recurrence, restore function and appearance, and present minimal donor site morbidity. While the removal of a wide part of the bone and soft tissue leads to defects that may cause functional and aesthetic concerns, conservative management is associated with minimal downtime but high recurrence rates. Reconstructive surgery is of paramount importance for the recovery of the lost parts in these patients. CONCLUSION: Radical surgery is the treatment of choice for large tumors to minimize recurrence, and immediate reconstruction utilizing grafting techniques is essential to restoring function and appearance. The autologous bone graft technique is satisfactory for immediate mandibular reconstruction as it represents a simple, easy, less costly, and reliable method for restoring mandibular continuity defects.