Studies have shown that the presence of impacted third molars places the mandible at increased risk for fracture. Individuals participating in high contact sports are subject to maxillofacial trauma; therefore, partici pants with impacted third molars are at increased risk for fractured mandibles. Three cases are reviewed to illustrate this problem.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Amler MH, Johnson PL, Salman I. Histological and histochemical investigation of human alveolar socket healing in undisturbed extraction wounds J Am Dent Assoc6133-44, 1960
2.
Archer WH Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1975, pp 1053-1061
3.
Bruce R., Fredrickson G., Small G. Age of patients and morbidity associated with mandibular third molar surgery J Am Dent Assoc101240-245, 1980
4.
Bureau of Dental Health Education and Bureau of Economic Research and Statistics Evaluation of Mouth Protectors Used by High School Foootball Players 68 430-442 March, 1964
5.
Claffan RS Healing of disturbed and undisturbed extraction wounds J Am Dent Assoc23945, 1936
6.
Dachi S., Howell F. A survey of 3,874 routine full mouth radiographs J Oral Surg141165, 1961
7.
Hinds E., Frey K. Hazards of retained third molars in older persons Report of 15 cases J Am Dent Assoc101246-250, 1980
8.
Huelke DF, Burdi AR Location of mandibular fractures related to teeth and edentulous regions J Oral Surg22396-405, 1964
9.
Kruger G. Textbook of Oral Surgery St Louis, CV Mosby, 1974
10.
Mallett S. Fractures of the jaw A survey of 2124 cases J Am Dent Assoc41657-673, 1950
11.
Mongos JF The healing of extraction wounds NZ Dental Journal374, January, 1941
12.
Nicholas, NK Mouth protectors—an update NZ Dent J7472-74, 1978
13.
Reitzik M., Lawnie JF, Cleaton-Jones P., et al Experimental fractures of monkey mandibles Int J Oral Surg7100-103, 1978
14.
Stenger JM, Lawson EA, Wright JM, et al Mouthguards Protection against shock to the head, neck and teeth J Am Dent Assoc69273-281, 1964
