Dental OSCE 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Ameloblastoma is recognized for its distinctive "soap bubble" radiographic appearance, especially when assessed on imaging techniques such as panoramic radiographs. This characteristic appearance is due to the presence of multilocular (or multilobulated) radiolucent areas in the jawbone that can resemble soap bubbles. This tumor arises from the odontogenic epithelium and is often associated with the resorption of adjacent tooth roots, which is a significant clinical feature. As the tumor grows, it can expand the bone and disrupt the normal anatomy, leading to root resorption.

The presence of these attributes—both the soap bubble appearance and the potential for root resorption—sets ameloblastoma apart from other odontogenic tumors. Odontomas typically present as well-defined radiopaque lesions rather than showing a soap bubble pattern, while keratinizing cystic odontogenic tumors and dentinogenic ghost cell tumors have different histological features and do not exhibit the same classic multiple radiolucent appearance.