Background. Panoramic radiographs had been considered as the most suitable screening film for the identification of mandibular fractures. Computed tomography (CT) is currently the standard in preoperative evaluation of facial fractures. Nevertheless, CT machines have limitations for dentistry including high radiation dose and cost. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a potential advantage over CT, including a lower radiation dose and reduced costs. Aim of study. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic efficacy of CBCT for accurate diagnosis of suspected mandibular fractures compared to panoramic radiograph. Patients and Methods. Panoramic radiograph and CBCT imaging were performed for twenty patients with suspected mandibular fractures.  Images were analyzed by two oral and maxillofacial surgeons and one oral and maxillofacial radiologist for detecting fracture lines, type of fracture and degree of displacement based on imaging. Data was analyzed statistically using SPSS program. Results. In this study, the diagnostic use of CBCT technology could help to identify an additional of mandibular fracture lines in 32.35%, change in type of fracture in 61.75% and degree of displacement in 81.25%. Conclusion. CBCT plays a major and significant role with high sensitivity in observation of mandibular fractures which could be misdiagnosed on panoramic radiographs. Key words: Panoramic radiograph (PR), cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), mandibular fractures.