Conservative approach to the management of large adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: A viable alternative

Abstract

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a relatively rare, odontogenic tumor, commonly associated with the impacted successional tooth. It is characterized by benign, nonaggressive, and indolent growth. Thus, the proposed treatment for AOT is enucleation with removal of the associated impacted tooth. In this case report, we discuss marsupialization as a more conservative initial treatment modality for a large AOT with good cosmetic outcomes. The case of a 13-year-old boy with an unusually large maxillary AOT is presented. This large follicular variant of AOT was successfully managed by marsupialization with a 1-year follow-up. Marsupialization can be a preferred initial surgical approach to facilitate regression of the bony swelling and to promote eruption of the impacted tooth with or without orthodontic treatment. We suggest consideration of decompression or marsupialization as an initial conservative treatment modality for the follicular variants of AOT with acceptable cosmetic outcomes and tooth salvage.