There have been many studies that evaluated the correlation between impacted mandibular third molars and mandibular fracture (lower Jaw). T. Meisami et al 2001 did a study that showed Patients with third molars had thrice the increased risk of angle fractures when compared to patients without (P< 0.001). Impaction of third molars significantly increased the incidence of angle fractures (P< 0.001). The severity and angulation of third molar impactions were not significantly associated with angle fractures. This study provides evidence that patients with retained impacted third molars are significantly more susceptible to angle fracture than those without.

In a more recent study by A. Thangavelu et al,  published in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, patients injured by moderate traumatic force resulting in two fractures of the mandible, the presence/absence of impacted mandibular third molars played an important role in angle/condylar fractures. Patients with impacted mandibular third molars were three times more likely to develop angle fractures and less likely to develop condylar fractures than those without impacted mandibular third molars.

1. Meisami T, Sojat A, Sàndor GK, Lawrence HP, Clokie CM.

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2002 Apr;31(2):140-4.

2. Thangavelu A, Yoganandha R, Vaidhyanathan A.

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010 Feb;39(2):136-9. Epub 2010 Jan 18.

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Tags: Absence, Amp, Angulation, Correlation, Fracture, Hp, Impaction, Lower Jaw, Lt, Mandible, Mandibular Fractures, Meisami, Molar, Presence, Risk, Severity, Surgery Patients, Third Molars, Three Times