Maxillary Tuberosity Fractures Following Third Molar Extraction, Prevalence, and Risk Factors

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of maxillary tuberosity fractures in an adult population and to examine the different risk factors associated with these fractures. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study; data was collected from medical records of patients who underwent a non-surgical extraction of a maxillary third molar tooth between January 2017 and March 2019. All extractions were performed by 2 maxillofacial specialists. Results: A total of 403 extracted maxillary third molar teeth were included in the study. Out of them 73 cases of tuberosity fractures were recorded (18.1%). No significant difference in the number of recorded fractures was found between the 2 surgeons. The mean age of patients was 32.8 ± 11.5. In the age group of 30 years and under a fractures rate of 12.1% was recorded compared to 25.0% in the age group of over 30 (P = 0.001). Divergent or extremely curved root morphology were associated with a higher risk for fractures (30.7%) compared to convergent root morphology (13.1%) (P
Source: Journal of Craniofacial Surgery - Category: Surgery Tags: Brief Clinical Studies Source Type: research