How Is Third Molar Status Associated With the Occurrence of Mandibular Angle and Condyle Fractures?

Third molars (M3s) have been hypothesized to be associated with the risk of mandibular angle fracture and mandibular condylar fracture. The authors systematically estimated the relative risk (RR) of M3 status for the development of mandibular angle fracture and mandibular condylar fracture through a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

In this systematic review, the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to October 2016. The predictor of risk was the presence or absence of M3s. The primary outcome was the RR of mandibular angle or condylar fracture. A fixed- or a random-effects model was applied to evaluate the pooled risk estimates. Sensitivity analysis also was performed to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by the Begg and Egger tests.

Overall, 13 retrospective cohort studies were included. Of these, 13 reported the association between M3s and mandibular angle fracture, and 5 reported the association with mandibular condylar fracture. Patients with M3s had an increased risk of mandibular angle fractures (RR = 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.15-3.21) but a decreased risk of mandibular condylar fractures (RR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25-0.86). Substantial heterogeneity in the risk estimates was found. No evidence of publication bias was found.

The present meta-analysis provides further evidence associating the presence of M3s with an increased risk of mandibular angle fractures and a simultaneously decreased risk of mandibular condylar fracture. Because of potentially more serious complications associated with condylar fracture, clinicians should carefully consider the decision to remove M3s to decrease the risk of mandibular angle fracture.