Frequency of Unerupted Mandibular Third Molar in Angle Fractures

Mandible is the commonest of the facial bones to fracture. Fractures of the mandibular angle are common and comprise 31 % of all mandibular fractures. Multiple studies report a 2-3 fold increased risk for mandibular angle fractures when unerupted mandibular third molars are present. It has been hypothesized that angle region of a mandible having an unerupted mandibular third molar has decreased cross-sectional area of bone in that region and root apex of an unerupted mandibular third molar concentrates stress around its apex thus altering the concentration of stress in the mandible. It is a common practice to remove asymptomatic unerupted third molars. But it has been shown in various studies that presence of unerupted mandibular third molar predispose the mandible to angle fracture and its absence to condylar fracture. The treatment of condylar fracture is more challenging and associated with greater number of complications. This study will assess the frequency of unerupted mandibular third molar in mandibular angle fractures in Pakistan. And this will help practitioners to refrain from common practice to remove the asymptomatic unerupted third molars.