Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of position of mandibular 3rd molar on angle and condylar fractures.
Materials and methods: Panoramic radiographs were used to determine the mandibular fracture patterns based on the presence or absence of the third molar.
Results: Of the 64 patients with mandibular fractures, condyle and angle fractures were found to be 67 and 33 % respectively. The greatest percentage (75 %) of condylar fractures were associated with erupted third molar teeth, and 25 % had impacted teeth. Subcondylar region was found to be the most common site that predisposes to fracture. Moderate force lead to condylar fracture when third molar is erupted or absent and mild force showed angle fracture when third molar is impacted. Increased incidence of angle fracture was observed when tooth is in mesioangular and distoangular position.
Conclusion: Impacted mandibular 3rd molar leads to an increased risk of angle fracture and decreased risk of condylar fracture especially when they are more deeply seated.
Keywords: Angle fracture; Condyle fracture; Mandibular impacted 3rd molar; Pedersen difficulty index.