Spontaneous mandibular fracture in a partially edentulous patient: case report

This article describes the case of a 78-year-old patient whose mandibular fracture was treated with miniplate osteosynthesis. After initial treatment, panoramic radiography revealed a fracture of the miniplate, and at follow-up, a loosening of the replacement plate. For the dental practitioner, this clinical case highlights the importance of panoramic radiography and occlusal analysis and stabilization for diagnosis of mandibular fracture, evaluation of miniplate fracture and treatment, especially in the absence of trauma.