Correlation of Third Molar Status with Incidence of Condylar and Angle Fractures

Abstract

The mandibular angle and condylar regions are most prone to fractures and this has been attributed to the presence/absence or the position of the third molars. This retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the correlation between the third molars and incidence of condylar and angle fractures in 104 patients treated for these fractures during the period from June 2009 to December 2013. Clinical and radiographic records of these patients were studied to look for the presence and position of third molars and their relation to incidence of condylar or angle fractures. There was a definite positive relation to impacted third molars and increased incidence of angle fractures. The condylar fractures were more commonly seen when the third molars were fully erupted or missing. Third molar impactions predispose to angle fractures and missing or fully erupted third molars predispose to condylar fractures.