Which type of film is primarily used for full mouth surveys?

Periapical film is indeed the primary type of film used for full mouth surveys, and this is due to its specific design that allows for the capture of detailed information about the entire tooth structure, including the roots and the surrounding bone. When conducting a full mouth survey, the objective is to attain a comprehensive view of every tooth and to evaluate conditions affecting the periapical area, such as infections, abscesses, or other pathologies.

Periapical films are structured to provide clear images of individual teeth from the crown to the root tips, ensuring that dental practitioners can diagnose and plan treatment effectively.

In contrast, bite-wing films are primarily used for detecting caries between the teeth and assessing the height of the alveolar bone but do not capture the full extent of the tooth structure or periapical areas. Occlusal films have a specific use for visualizing a larger area of the dental arch or jaw, making them less suitable for full mouth evaluations. Panoramic films offer a broad view of the entire dentition and jaws but compromise detail in individual teeth, particularly at the roots, which is crucial for comprehensive assessments in full mouth surveys.