Relationship between the presence of unerupted mandibular third molars and fractures of the mandibular condyle

Does the presence of mandibular third molars increase the risk of angle fracture and simultaneously decrease the risk of condylar fracture?

“…Risk of fracture was also dependent on M3 position 6,8,9 . An inverse relationship was seen for condylar fractures: patients with impacted M3s were less likely to have a condylar fracture than those without impacted M3s 4,10 . If impaction of M3s plays such an important role in these fractures, do other variables, such as Int.…”

Do third molars weaken the mandibular angle?

“…• Definition of angle fracture: the studies should define an angle fracture as a fracture occurring in a region posteriorly to the second molar and extending from a point between the curve connecting the alveolar surface and anterior border of the ramus in the retromolar region and the curve connecting the basilar bone of the mandible and posterior border of the ramus (5,12,13). After a reading of the articles had been performed for verification of the inclusion criteria, 11 articles were selected for the present review (Table 1).…”

The role of mandibular 3rd Molars on the incidence of Condylar Fractures – a clinical study

“…In terms of the precise reduction and fixation of mandibular fractures, difficulties are often encountered in repositioning the condylar fragments and performing accurate placement of the plates and screws (19), in addition there is the possibility of facial nerve injury (20,21), excellent reduction and stable fixation in angle fractures are easily performed because the access and visibility to the angle fractures for plating is much better. Thus it might not be appropriate to strengthen the mandibular angle region and to make the mandible more vulnerable to condylar fractures by removing the unerupted third molars because the treatment of condylar fractures is more challenging than that of angle (22,23).…”