A study on the impact of mandibular third molars on angle fractures.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the relationship between the status and position of mandibular third molars and angle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a total of 2,033 patients with a mandibular fracture, 532 (26%) had angle fractures, and 1,466 (72%) had retained their lower third molars. The most frequent cause for mandibular fracture was road traffic accident (64%), followed by assault (19%). RESULTS: Of 341 patients with an unerupted third molar, mandibular angle fracture was evident in 249 patients (73%). Only 62 patients (9.4%) with a completely erupted third molar had angle fractures, whereas 83 patients (17.6%) with partially erupted third molars had angle fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed an increased risk of angle fractures in the presence of a lower third molar, as well as a variable risk for angle fracture, depending on the third molar's position.