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

FIBMS,; Shehab Ahmed Hamad BDS, Dr.; MSc,; FDSRCPS,; Mohammed Khalil Hasssouni BDS, Dr.

	The Influence of Unerupted Lower Third Molars on the Occurrence of Mandibular Condylar Fractures
MUSTANSIRIA DENTAL JOURNAL
Article 1, Volume 7, Issue 1, 2010, Pages 87-93
Authors
; Dr. Shehab Ahmed Hamad BDS; ; ; Dr. Mohammed Khalil Hasssouni BDS
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Key Words; condylar fractures

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