Retrospective study to identify the fate of the third molar along the line of fracture in mandibular angle fracture

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the fate of the third molar along the line of fracture in mandibular angle fracture. Materials and Methods: A Retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Maxillofacial surgery, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Sasaram,  Bihar, India for 1  year  Total 80 cases were enrolled for the study, divided into two groups – group 1 in which third molar was retained and group 2 in which third molar was extracted. The cause for removal included development of pain, redness, discharge indicating periodontal problems including mobility and periapical lesions. Keeping the progress of healing of the bone in mind these teeth were extracted. Result: The mean age group of the population of the study was 32.54 (18 to 55 years), out of which majority of the cases 87.5% (70) were male patients and 12.5% (10) were female patients. There were a total of 80 patients with mandibular angle fracture, 35% (n=28) the third molar was removed, while in 65% (n=52) retained. The etiology of the cases was attributed to RTA and assault, the former being in majority of cases, i.e. 90% and 10% respectively. The side of the angle fracture in this study were almost similar, incidence of left side fracture being 56.25% and the right side fracture being 43.75%. In 43.75% (35) cases the third molar was completely erupted and 56.25% (45) were impacted third molars. In the impacted molars 51.11% were mesioangular, 37.78% were vertical and 11.11% were distoangular. At the end of the 4 month, 7 cases showed signs of infection in the retained group due to which extraction of the third molar was carried out under local anesthesia following aseptic precautions. There were no re fractures during extraction. Out of the 80 cases included in this study 11 cases underwent implant removal. 7 case in retained group and 4 in the removal group. P value of 0.11 was noted and a Chi square value of 1.77. Conclusion: We conclude that the partially impacted tooths are best to be removed during the procedure for better outcomes provided the fractured segments stability is maintained.