Association of Maxillofacial Fractures With Demographic and Dental Factors: The Roles of Edentulism, Posterior Occlusion, Canines, and Lower Third Molar.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This retrospective, two-center study aims to improve understanding of fracture pathogenesis in maxillofacial trauma by examining variations related to sex, age, dental status, posterior occlusion, and the presence of lower third molars (LTM) and lower canines.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A total of 466 patients with maxillofacial fractures were analyzed. Statistical methods included Pearson's chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and binary regression analysis.

RESULTS

Fractures were more common in males. The maxilla and mandible were the most frequently affected bones, with mandibular fractures most prevalent in the symphysis/parasymphysis (19.1%) and angle regions (16.1%). Age was positively associated with coronoid and body fractures and negatively associated with angle and symphysis/parasymphysis fractures (p < 0.05). Total edentulism and the absence of canines significantly increased the risk of body fractures (p = 0.001). Posterior occlusion had a protective effect against body, angle, and symphysis/parasymphysis fractures but increased the risk of condylar fractures (p < 0.05). Presence of LTM increased the likelihood of angle fractures by 3.8 times (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may provide valuable insights that support earlier and more accurate diagnosis, as well as timely and appropriate treatment in patients with maxillofacial trauma.