Whenever one fracture is seen - check for a second fracture or dislocation at the temporomandibular joint
Mandible fractures
The mandible can be considered as an anatomical ring of bone, stabilised at each end at the temporomandibular joints. A break of the ring in one place will usually be accompanied by further break in the ring elsewhere. If you see one fracture, look for a second fracture, or a dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.
Standard views
Orthopantomogram (OPG) and Mandible views.
Both views are necessary because fractures are often only seen on one image. The OPG is a panoramic view acquired with the camera panning around the patient.
