Published September 2026
- A full-mouth series means several small X-rays taken around the arch
- A small sensor rests by one section while one quick picture is taken
- The sensor is moved and the short exposure is repeated in the next section
- Piece by piece, the dentist gets roots and bone from all around the mouth
- The images are mounted together as a baseline record for the whole mouth
Who usually does it
general dentist. Taken in the general office. Many plans pay for one every three to five years.
One question worth asking
Is a full series due, or would a smaller set answer the same question?
Full mouth X-ray series
A full mouth series is a set of about fourteen to twenty two small X-rays that together show every tooth and its root. Most offices take one for a new patient and renew it every few years.
A full series is taken in one sitting, a few pictures at a time, until every tooth and root has been recorded. Offices use it to build a baseline for a new patient or to refresh one that has aged. Because it covers everything, it is taken years apart rather than at routine visits. Most plans file this as Preventive. What they actually pay varies by plan.
Codes for this
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