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

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.