How many exposures should you take for a full mouth series on a 65-year-old patient?

A full mouth series (FMX) is a common radiographic procedure in dentistry, intended to capture a comprehensive view of all the teeth and surrounding structures. For adults, including a 65-year-old patient, the standard practice typically involves taking a specific number of periapical radiographs combined with bitewing radiographs.

The accepted number of exposures for a complete FMX usually includes 14 periapical images that cover the crowns and roots of all teeth, along with 4 bitewing images that showcase the areas between the molars and premolars for effective caries detection. Therefore, when combining these images, the total exposure for a typical FMX would be 18, meaning that 14 periapical and 4 bitewing radiographs collectively provide the necessary diagnostic information for comprehensive evaluation.

This number helps ensure that all necessary areas of the mouth are visualized, facilitating the detection of potential dental issues that may not be visible during a routine clinical examination.