A full-mouth survey commonly consists of which combination of images?

• A. 14 periapical views and 4-6 bitewings
• B. 2 panoramic and 4 bitewings
• C. 8 periapical views
• D. 18 bitewings

Answer: (A)

Full-mouth survey aims to give a complete view of the dentition and surrounding bone. It uses two types of images: periapical radiographs to examine each tooth from crown to apex and the supporting bone, and bitewing radiographs to evaluate the interproximal surfaces and the height of the bone between teeth. The standard approach combines fourteen periapical views with a set of bitewings, typically four, though some protocols include up to six bitewings to extend coverage. This mix provides comprehensive information for caries detection, periodontal bone assessment, and identifying periapical pathology across the entire mouth. Other imaging options either rely on a panoramic image alone, which doesn’t give the same detailed view of individual teeth, or omit bitewings, reducing the ability to spot interproximal caries and bone changes. So, the commonly used full-mouth survey consists of fourteen periapical views and four to six bitewings.