Sex-related variation in the dimensions of the mandibular ramus and its relationship with lower third molar impaction

Abstract

Objective We conducted this study to assess possible sex-related variations in the dimensions of the mandibular ramus. Methods We divided 240 patients into two groups: an impacted lower third molar group of 115 subjects (68 men and 47 women) and a normally erupted lower third molar group of 125 subjects (89 men and 36 women). Results The study identified multiple sex-related differences between impacted and normally erupted lower molar groups. Men demonstrated greater values in the majority of variables compared to women. Furthermore, men in both the impacted and control groups had greater condylar length, coronoid process length, ramus height, ramal width, retromolar space, and retromolar space ratio than women. By contrast, women in both groups had a larger gonial angle, more upright lower posterior teeth, and more upright impaction than men. Both sexes in the control group had larger values for most measurements than their counterparts in the impacted group. Women in both groups had more upright posterior teeth and less inclined third molars. Conclusion In our study, men had greater values for most of the analysed variables compared to women. Configuration of the mandibular ramus is related to the sex, which might enhance the probability of third molar eruption or impaction.

Scientific management of mandibular third molar germ: A case report and literature review

“…The longer the mandible, the greater the probability of M3 eruption 4 . The depth of the sigmoid notch, the depth of anterior and posterior notch of the mandibular ascending ramus (Figure 1), the length of the mandibular ascending ramus, the length of the condyle, the length of the coracoid process, the height and width of the total mandibular ascending ramus can affect the eruption of M3, but because of the race and other factors, it is controversial to predict M3 obstruction according to the morphology of mandible 5,6 …”