Impact of Mandibular Third Molars on Angle Fractures: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that the position and presence of mandibular third molars is associated with a has high risk of mandibular angle fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the position and presence of mandibular third molars and mandibular angle fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective study consisting of 256 patients who were admitted for treatment of mandibular fractures between January 2016 and January 2018 was undertaken. Patients' data and orthopantomogram radiographs were obtained from their medical record. The predictor variable was the presence and position of mandibular third molars. The position of the third molars was grouped based on the Pell and Gregory classification. The outcome variable was the presence of an angle fracture. Other study variables included age, gender, mechanism of injury, and fracture location. RESULTS Patients with mandibular third molars had a 2.7 times greater chance of an angle fracture than patients without third molars. Patients with their third molars present at occlusal position C and ramus position level 3 had a higher risk of angle fracture in compared to other groups. There was a statistically significant variation in the risk of an angle fracture, depending on mandibular third molar position (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Patients with mandibular third molars have an increased risk of angle fractures. The risk for an angle fracture varied depending on the third molar position.