Can someone explain a full mouth series?

Question

Hi, I would like to know, typically which teeth numbers are covered for periapicals in a full mouth series of x-rays. Bitewings as well. Thanks!

Answer 1

This depends on how many teeth are shown on a radiograph. Most series include 2 for upper posterior, 2 for lower posterior, 2 bite wings, 1 upper canine, 1 lower canine, 1 upper central and lateral incisor and 1 for lower central and lateral. That's a total of 18 films because there are two sides, right and left.                      

Answer 2

When I took traditional x-rays(we now use digital), I would always start on the upper right, as that was how the tooth numbers started, so it made sense to me to do it this way. First film, was the molar#1(if present)#2,#3 and part of #4.then premolar shot.part of #3,#4,#5 and part of #6(ideally). I would then take all of the upper anterior teeth-it can be three films if using #2 size film, or 5 if using #1 size film. I would take a film of #5,#6, if using #1 film and #5,#6,#7 if using #2 film.And work my way around the mouth ,right to left,until all x-rays are taken.

If you use all size 2 film, there are 18 films,if using #2 for posterior and #1 for anterior, there are 20 films.

If you are using digital, the computer tells you what order and which teeth are being x-rayed.I love digital!

Good luck!