How many dental x-rays are generally needed for a full mouth examination?

A full mouth examination typically requires a series of dental x-rays to provide comprehensive imaging of all the teeth and surrounding structures. The standard number of x-rays needed usually falls within the range of 8 to 12. This number includes periapical films that capture the entire length of individual teeth and bitewing films that show the upper and lower teeth in a specific area of the mouth.

The purpose of these x-rays is to allow the dentist to examine the health of each tooth, detect cavities, assess bone levels, and identify any other oral health issues that may not be visible during a clinical examination alone. Hence, the answer indicating 8-12 x-rays aligns well with common dental practices for a thorough evaluation of a patient's oral health.