Implant-assisted removable prosthetic rehabilitation after distraction osteogenesis in a patient with ameloblastoma recurrence: A case report

INTRODUCTION: A resected mandibular edentulous ridge resulting from an ameloblastoma and marginal mandibulectomy is a restorative challenge. To maintain oral hygiene, recurrent examinations, and for long-term maintenance, a removable dental prosthesis is preferred to an implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 28-year-old Asian man was referred for evaluation of a radiolucent area on the right side of the mandible. The right mandibular area had increasingly enlarged over a period of ≥5 months. Marginal resection and inferior alveolar nerve repositioning of the mandible were performed by oral surgeons, followed by reconstruction of the resected mandible with distraction osteogenesis. After 6 years, the patient presented with swelling of the same area. DIAGNOSIS: Histopathological examination revealed recurrence of benign ameloblastoma in the mandible. After mass excision of the recurrent benign tumor, dental implants were installed. To aid with recurrent examinations and oral hygiene maintenance, a treatment plan using implant-assisted removable dental prosthesis, instead of a fixed prosthesis, was formulated. INTERVENTIONS: The edentulous area was rehabilitated with a tooth- and implant-assisted removable partial denture. Due to the insufficient intermaxillary clearance, the removable prosthesis was designed in such a manner that retention, support, and stability could be ensured by separate components. OUTCOMES: The tooth- and implant-assisted removable partial denture showed satisfactory function and esthetics. No complications were observed in the dental prosthesis and supporting tissues during the 3-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: In recurrent ameloblastoma cases, a removable dental prosthesis may be an effective treatment option for oral rehabilitation. The type of denture design used in this study is novel for implant-assisted removable partial denture rehabilitation.