Abstract

Background: The presence of third molars within the dental arch significantly influences the morphology and severity of mandibular angle fractures, carrying critical implications for both diagnosis and clinical management. Objective: To evaluate the impact of mandibular third molars on the morphology and extent of mandibular angle fractures among patients treated at the Department of Odonto- Stomatology, Thai Nguyen National Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 40 patients (33 males, 7 females) diagnosed with mandibular angle fractures. Data were collected through clinical examinations, medical histories, and radiographic analysis (X-rays) to assess the relationship between third molar status and fracture patterns. Results: The study found that 100% of the cases were unilateral angle fractures. A significant majority of patients presented with impacted or erupted mandibular third molars, with those possessing at least one mandibular third molar accounting for 42.5% of the total sample. Notably, 47.5% of the fractures directly involved or traversed the mandibular third molar region. Conclusion: The presence and position of mandibular third molars significantly influence the occurrence and pattern of mandibular angle fractures. These findings suggest that the third molar area represents a point of structural weakness in the mandible.