The necessity of removal of third molars involved in mandibular fractures: A retrospective study

Abstract

This retrospective analysis aimed to investigate the necessity of removing the wisdom tooth in cases of angle fractures of the mandible. The study retrieved 595 mandible fractures from January 2006 to December 2021 through the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry System, of which 303 involved a fracture through the angle of the mandible, including the wisdom tooth socket. Of these, 203 (66.9%) underwent open reduction and internal fixation with retention of the third molar. The authors found that only four (2%) patients returned for the removal of plates and the retained third molar during the follow-up period. Therefore, the authors concluded that wisdom teeth removal should remain an exception during open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures unless they hinder fracture reduction, pose a potential infection risk, or interfere with occlusal stability.