ASSESSMENT OF PRESENCE AND ABSENSE OF IMPACTED MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR ON ANGLE AND CONDYLE FRACTURE

Abstract

Background: Various studies in the past have proven that impacted mandibular third molars increase the risk of angle fractures and decrease the risk of concomitant fractures of the condyle. The present study aimed to assess the effect of presence of mandibular third molars on mandibular angle and condyle fracture.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal between September 2016 to July 2020 after obtaining ethical approval. Hospital case records and panoramic radiographs were used to assess the presence, position and angulation of impacted mandibular third molar and the incidence of mandibular angle and condyle fractures were determined. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The frequency, percentage, means and standard deviation were calculated.

Results: A total of 78 cases with 103 angle and condyle fractures were included in this study. Sixty two cases of angle fracture had presence of mandibular third molars. Among 25 condyle fracture 16 cases had either fully erupted or missing mandibular third molars.

Conclusions: The presence of impacted mandibular third molar makes the angle region more vulnerable to fracture while presence of erupted third molar or its absence increases the risk of condylar fracture.