Relationship between the risk of mandibular angle fractures and the status of incompletely erupted mandibular third molar

Back ground: Several studies have shown the increased risk of mandibular angle fractures associated with incompletely erupted mandibular third molars. But only a few reports analysed in detail the relationship of the status of eruption of this tooth and this type of fracture. Objecti ves: The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of the eruption status of incompletely erupted mandibular third molars on the incidence of mandibular angle fractures. Methods: Four hundred and thirty-six mandibular halves in 218 patients with mandibular fractures, aged between 15 and 40 years old, were analysed using panoramic radiographs. Results: The incidence of angle fractures in the mandibular halves with incompletely erupted mandibular third molars was 30.8% and this was statistically significantly higher than that in another group (p < 0.0001). Deeply located mandibular third molars clearly showed a higher incidence of this fracture when compared with the adjacent second molar (p <0.0001). Conclusion: The results of this investigation showed that incompletely erupted mandibular third molars close to the inferior border of the mandible have a high risk of angle fractures.