Ameloblastoma

Definition

A rare, benign, slow-growing odontologic tumor located in the mandible, and on occasion the maxilla, characterized by painless, variable-sized jaw swelling, which if left untreated may lead to a grotesque facial appearance. Occasionally, paresthesias, tooth displacement and adjacent root resorption may be associated. Local invasion is frequently observed, but malignant transformation and metastasis are not common.