title: Mandibular fractures following third molar extraction. A retrospective clinical and radiological study.
abstract: Twelve patients with 13 mandibular fractures following third molar extraction were treated in our Department between 1980 and 1995. Clinical and radiographic data relating to these patients were analysed retrospectively to determine complication characteristics. Only one fracture occurred during surgery. The first week after the operation was found to be most critical for fracture occurrence. A "cracking" sound from the jaw while eating frequently indicated that a fracture had occurred, but repeated radiographic examination may be necessary for definitive diagnosis. Most teeth removed belonged to Groups II/III according to PELL & GREGORY's classification, indicating partial or total impaction of the tooth and a narrow space in the retromolar triangle. In all cases, tooth roots were superimposed on or adjacent to the inferior alveolar canal. Clinically, the age of the patient seemed to be a common predisposing factor, and patients older than 30 to 40 years were considered to be a risk group. Regardless of the degree of impaction and tooth position, the fracture type seen was uniform, i.e. preangular location and a typical course of the fracture line. After adequate fracture treatment, no further complications were noted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Berne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iizuka
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tanner
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Berthold
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000294:innervation; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013016:Sound; D013997:Time Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery