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Mandibular injuries in the growing patient are not uncommon, and the mature patient with permanent dentition can often be treated similarly to the adult patient. However, pediatric patients with primary dentition and mixed dentition can often be treated much more conservatively due to their healing capacity. It is imperative that the surgeon understand proper application of Risdon cables/wires to facilitate conservative treatment in the pediatric patient. Additionally, some fracture patterns are concerning for growth disturbance and require monitoring over ensuing years to ensure that no further intervention is necessary.

Conventional radiography includes simple projectional X-ray imaging along with panoramic radiography. All except panoramic radiography are obsolete, although the reverse Towne’s view may still be used for suspected mandibular trauma, and cephalograms, although not specifically TMJ radiography, are also used in assessment of some TMJ disorders. The three-dimensional morphology of the bony components of the TMJ does not facilitate conventional radiography. Panoramic radiography can only provide a crude representation of the condyle and temporal component of the TMJ and provides no information about their interrelationships. Its role is as an initial assessment tool before deciding on cross-sectional imaging (CBCT, CT or MR) and to investigate patients with symptoms which might be explicable as dental in origin but which are not localised or specific enough to be assessed using intraoral radiography. Specific criteria can help to determine whether there is any value in using panoramic radiography, and routine screening is not supported by evidence.

The radiological signs that might be identified on conventional radiographs are mainly shape changes due to remodelling and degenerative disease. The most prevalent TMJ disorders produce few or no changes on conventional radiographs.