How many films are typically included in a complete dentulous radiographic survey?

A complete dentulous radiographic survey typically includes 18-20 films. This number is based on the standard protocol for capturing a comprehensive view of the entire dental arch, which usually involves a combination of periapical and bitewing radiographs.

The periapical films are used to visualize the full length of each tooth's roots along with the surrounding bone, while bitewing films provide crucial information about the interproximal areas of the posterior teeth and enable assessment of dental caries and bone levels.

This specific range allows dental professionals to obtain a thorough overview necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with a full set of teeth, ensuring that both hard and soft tissue evaluations are adequately covered. Having fewer than this number may result in missing crucial diagnostic information, while more than this may lead to unnecessary exposure without providing additional patient benefit.