The relationship between the lower third molar (M3) and mandibular angle/condyle fractures – a systematic review

The literature has been inundated with research evidence associating the incidence of mandibular angle and condyle fractures to the presence or absence of an impacted third molar respectively. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the level of risk associated with the status of the third molar and its predisposition to mandibular angle or condyle fracture. This systematic review seeks to articulate the existing evidence. After a rigorous search of medical databases, relevant articles were selected and critically appraised using a mixed model analysis. The findings confirmed an inverse relationship between mandibular angle and condyle fractures; angle fractures increase with the presence of impacted third molar, while condyle fractures reduce with the presence of impacted third molar. In a simple meta‐analysis, this relationship tested statistically significant ( P  = 0.04) with a strong correlation coefficient of 0.732. This evidence lies between Level III (Limited) and Level II (Limited) on the hierarchy of evidence. A simple guideline is proposed to guide clinical decisions on third molar surgery in trauma‐prone individuals.