Fracture in the chin area:: An unusual case of mandibular torus fracture

Mandibular torus fracture as a result of accidental trauma has not been reported to date in the dental literature. This study describes the case of a young adult male who suffered multiple fractures affecting the teeth and mandibular torus secondary to chin area trauma due to a bicycle accident; the first manifestation of bone damage being left unilateral paraesthesia of the lip. An occlusal x-ray study of the affected area was made to evaluate possible fracture, as unlike centred periapical x-rays and orthopantomography, it is able to reveal the existence of a fracture line of the alveolar wall. In the associated presence of paraesthesia, a computed tomographic study is advisable. © British Dental Journal 2005.