Periapical radiographs as an aid in diagnosing fractures of the mandibular angle.

Various radiographic techniques are applied for diagnosing mandibular fractures. Standard radiographs used in the hospital to diagnose mandibular fractures have included lateral oblique, posteroanterior, and fronto-occipital (Towne) mandibular projections. If positive, the panoramic radiograph can be used as the sole radiograph. A case is reported of a unilateral fracture of the mandibular angle, which became evident about one month after extraction of the mandibular third molars. Neither the lateral oblique nor the panoramic projection revealed the fracture; however, periapical films showed the fracture through the extraction site.