The Usefulness of a Facial Digital Biobank for Ameloblastoma Resection and Fracture Fixation - A Case Report

Ann Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Jul-Dec;11(2):325-328. doi: 10.4103/ams.ams_73_21. Epub 2022 Feb 1.

Abstract

Rationale: Ameloblastoma often requires complex facial treatments such as resection and reconstruction, which can be aided using three-dimensional resources towards improved surgical planning, reduction of surgical time, and customization.

Patient concerns: A 51-year-old patient, concerned about submandibular volumetric increase discovered performing imaging exams to install dental implants.

Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosed with ameloblastoma, he underwent uneventful partial mandibular resection and placement of prebent mandibular reconstruction plate. Four months later, following a motorcycle accident, a deflection of the plate and mandibular fracture was observed. Using the initial prototyping, a new reconstruction plate was customized and surgically placed to reduce the mandibular fracture, with adequate titanium plate adaptation to the remaining bone and maintenance of aesthetic mandibular contour.

Outcomes and take-away lessons: The current digital dentistry resources, such as computed tomography and intraoral scan, can be recovered and used as a backup of recorded anatomy anytime in future, providing a long-lasting facial digital biobank.

Keywords: Ameloblastoma; odontogenic tumours; personalized medicine; three-dimensional printing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports