Is the mandibular third molar a risk factor for mandibular angle fracture?

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of mandibular angle fractures with the presence and state of the eruption of the mandibular third molar (M3).

METHODS

The medical records and panoramic radiographs of 615 patients with mandibular fractures were examined. The presence or absence and degree of impaction of the M3 were assessed for each patient and related to the occurrence of fracture of the mandibular angle. Data were also collected for age, sex, mechanism of injury, number, and location of mandibular fracture. Data were analyzed by a chi-square statistic test and Student t test.

RESULTS

The incidence of mandibular angle fracture was found to be significantly greater when an unerupted M3 was present (P <.05). Of the 426 patients with an M3, 127 (29.8%) had angle fractures. Of the 189 patients without an M3, 25 (13.2%) had angle fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that the mandibular angle that contains an impacted M3 is more susceptible to fracture when exposed to an impact than an angle without an M3.