title: Eruption status of third molar and its possible influence on the location of mandibular angle fracture: a retrospective analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study was designed to evaluate the influence of eruption status of mandibular third molars on the location of mandibular angle fracture. We also aimed to evaluate the incidence of damage to mandibular third molar teeth (M3) and its roots.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records and panoramic radiographs of 142 patient cohorts with mandibular angle fractures with third molars present were retrospectively reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Revealed that incidence of angle fracture were high in patients with fully erupted M3 when compared to unerupted group. Out of 142 patients, 108 fractures were found involving the M3 socket and 14.1 % had damage to M3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of erupted mandibular third molar increases the chances of angle fracture when compared to impacted M3. Involvement of the M3 socket often resulted in increased operative time and complexity of the surgical procedure with possible removal of the damaged M3.
authors.affiliation: Department of OMFS, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Bambolim, 403002 Goa India.
authors.forename: Praveen Satish
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of OMFS, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Bambolim, 403002 Goa India.
authors.forename: Vikas
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dhupar
authors.affiliation: Department of OMFS, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Bambolim, 403002 Goa India.
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Akkara
authors.affiliation: Department of OMFS, K.M. Shah Dental College, Baroda, India.
authors.forename: G B Ananth
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Kumar
keywords: Angle fracture; Classification of angle fracture; M3 injury; Third molar root injury