BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor predominantly 
occurring in patients who are in their 20s and 30s. Approximately 10% to 15% of 
ameloblastomas occur in patients younger than 18 years. Although it is a benign 
tumor, an ameloblastoma can have a devastating effect on children both 
physically and emotionally. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate how 
tissue engineering and surgical techniques can minimize morbidity and recovery 
time after extirpation and immediate reconstruction of a mandibular 
ameloblastoma.
CASE DESCRIPTION: An 11-year-old girl was referred for surgical evaluation of a 
lesion found on a routine dental radiograph. Resection of a mandibular unicystic 
ameloblastoma resulted, including immediate reconstruction using a costochondral 
rib graft, allogeneic bone, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and recombinant 
human morphogenetic protein-2. One year postoperatively, the patient had no 
evidence of recurrence as well as excellent mandibular bone height and width 
with good facial form. The patient has returned to her daily life without any 
disabilities or disfigurement.
CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists are typically the first health 
care providers to discover oral pathology in patients. The coordination of care 
by the dental care providers and the oral and maxillofacial specialist was key 
to the successful outcome for this patient. With biotechnology and surgical 
techniques, the dental surgeon can extirpate an ameloblastoma and reconstruct 
the mandible defect to the ideal shape and size with minimal morbidity and 
recovery time.