The Influence of Unerupted Lower Third Molars on the Occurrence of Mandibular Condylar Fractures

Abstract

AbstractBackground and Aims: Condylar region of the mandible is the most vulnerable siteto fracture due to its anatomical weakness. It has been noted that mandibular thirdmolars may reduce the occurrence of condylar fractures. This study wasconducted to verify this hypothesis.Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 398 patients, olderthan 18 years, with 464 mandibular fractures. The panoramic radiographs of 182patients with condylar fractures were examined for the presence of uneruptedmandibular third molars.Results: Condylar fracture was two times greater in those with missing or completelyerupted mandibular third molars as compared to those with unerupted ones(p<0.001). Displaced and dislocated condylar fractures were significantly less inthose with unerupted third molar , as compared to those without uneruptedones(p<0.001). Presence of unerupted lower third molar significantly reduce thedegree of displacement or dislocation of condylar fractures (p<0.001).Uneruptedmandibular third molar position also influence the occurrence of condylar fracture.Most fractures occurred in Class I, Class A and mesioangular impactions.Conclusion: unerupted mandibular third molars significantly reduced the occurrence of condylar fractures.