Ameloblastoma suggesting large apical periodontitis

J Endod. 2008 Feb;34(2):216-9. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2007.11.010.

Abstract

This case report describes the endodontic treatment of a large apical periodontitis with well-defined margins adjacent to teeth #22-24. After the initial endodontic treatment, continued expansion of the mandible cortical bone was observed, indicating a need to surgically enucleate the lesion and submit it for histopathologic examination. The microscopic examination indicated a diagnosis of ameloblastoma. Ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial neoplasm of odontogenic origin, and depending on the stage of development, it can mimic a periapical lesion and therefore should be considered in establishing an endodontic differential diagnosis. The definitive diagnosis for some periapical lesions can only be made by a histopathologic examination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ameloblastoma / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandibular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Mandibular Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Periapical Periodontitis / diagnosis*
  • Root Canal Therapy