OBJECTIVES: We retrospectively evaluated the impact of mandibular third molars on the occurrence of angle and condyle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective investigation using patient records and radiographs. The sample set consisted of 440 patients with mandibular fractures. Eruption space, depth and angulation of the third molar were measured. RESULTS: Of the 144 angle fracture patients, 130 patients had third molars and 14 patients did not. The ratio of angle fractures when a third molar was present (1.26 : 1) was greater than when no third molar was present (0.19 : 1; odds ratio, 6.58; P<0.001). Of the 141 condyle fractures patients, the third molar was present in 84 patients and absent in 57 patients. The ratio of condyle fractures when a third molar was present (0.56 : 1) was lower than when no third molar was present (1.90 : 1; odds ratio, 0.30; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The increased ratio of angle fractures with third molars and the ratio of condyle fractures without a third molar were statistically significant. The occurrence of angle and condyle fractures was more affected by the continuity of the cortical bone at the angle than by the depth of a third molar. These results demonstrate that a third molar can be a determining factor in angle and condyle fractures.
OBJECTIVES: We retrospectively evaluated the impact of mandibular third molars on the occurrence of angle and condyle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective investigation using patient records and radiographs. The sample set consisted of 440 patients with mandibular fractures. Eruption space, depth and angulation of the third molar were measured. RESULTS: Of the 144 angle fracturepatients, 130 patients had third molars and 14 patients did not. The ratio of angle fractures when a third molar was present (1.26 : 1) was greater than when no third molar was present (0.19 : 1; odds ratio, 6.58; P<0.001). Of the 141 condyle fracturespatients, the third molar was present in 84 patients and absent in 57 patients. The ratio of condyle fractures when a third molar was present (0.56 : 1) was lower than when no third molar was present (1.90 : 1; odds ratio, 0.30; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The increased ratio of angle fractures with third molars and the ratio of condyle fractures without a third molar were statistically significant. The occurrence of angle and condyle fractures was more affected by the continuity of the cortical bone at the angle than by the depth of a third molar. These results demonstrate that a third molar can be a determining factor in angle and condyle fractures.
Authors: T P Bezerra; F I Silva Junior; H C Scarparo; F W G Costa; E C Studart-Soares Journal: Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg Date: 2012-11-15 Impact factor: 2.789
Authors: N Tanaka; K Tomitsuka; K Shionoya; H Andou; Y Kimijima; T Tashiro; T Amagasa Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg Date: 1994-02 Impact factor: 1.651