A Study of Correlation Between Mandibular Angle Fracture and the Mandibular Third Molar

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between incidence of mandibular angle fracture and eruption state of mandibular third molar using clinical and radiographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were obtained from the clinical and radiographic records of 205 patients who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chonbuk National University Hospital for treatment of the mandibular fracture. Panoramic radiographies were taken for radiographic examination and the mandibular third molars were classified according to age, gender, position and eruption state. Data were analyzed by a chi-square statistics. RESULTS: In this study, the incidence of mandibular angle fracture had a tendency to be greater when a mandibular third molar was present(p>0.05), but there was not a statistically significant difference. Of the 255 cases with a mandibular third molar, 67 had an angle fractures. Of the 155 cases without a mandibular third molar, 138 had not angle fracture. And the incidence of mandibular angle fracture was high at class BII(by Pell & Gregory system) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although there was not a statistically significant difference, mandibular third molar was more susceptible to mandibular angle fracture. When the reduction of mandibular angle fracture, it was recommended that mandibular third molar should be extracted especially in case of pericoronitis, periodontitis and other infections.