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

Abstract

Background and Aims: Condylar region of the mandible is the most vulnerable site
to fracture due to its anatomical weakness. It has been noted that mandibular third
molars may reduce the occurrence of condylar fractures. This study was
conducted to verify this hypothesis.
Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 398 patients, older
than 18 years, with 464 mandibular fractures. The panoramic radiographs of 182
patients with condylar fractures were examined for the presence of unerupted
mandibular third molars.
Results: Condylar fracture was two times greater in those with missing or completely
erupted mandibular third molars as compared to those with unerupted ones
(p<0.001). Displaced and dislocated condylar fractures were significantly less in
those with unerupted third molar , as compared to those without unerupted
ones(p<0.001). Presence of unerupted lower third molar significantly reduce the
degree of displacement or dislocation of condylar fractures (p<0.001).Unerupted
mandibular 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.