Impacted Mandibular Third Molars and Their Influence on Mandibular Angle and Condyle Fractures

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Mandibular fractures, particularly angle and condyle fractures, are common. The role of third molars in fracture patterns requires further investigation.
• Third molars (wisdom teeth) are frequently impacted and their position and development may influence mandibular bone integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze the influence of unerupted or partially erupted third molars on mandibular angle and condyle fracture patterns.
• To evaluate the specific impaction types leading to angle fractures and common fracture levels for condyle fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 150 angle and 130 condyle fracture patients treated between 2010-2017.
• Review of case records and orthopantomograms to correlate fractures with patient demographics, etiology, and third molar presence, position, angulation, and root development.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant association was found between the presence of third molars and angle fractures (146/150 cases).
• Condyle fractures were more prevalent in patients without third molars (76/130 cases).
• Age, etiology, third molar angulation, position, and root development significantly influenced fracture patterns, but sex did not.

Conclusions:

• The presence of impacted or erupted third molars significantly affects mandibular fracture patterns, particularly angle fractures.
• Mandibular angle fracture occurrence is strongly linked to the presence of third molars, while condyle fractures are more common when third molars are absent.
• Prophylactic removal of mandibular third molars may increase the risk of condyle fractures due to altered cortical bone continuity.