Fullmouth

Fullmouth is a term used primarily in dentistry to describe either the entire arrangement of teeth and supporting tissues in the mouth or a set of diagnostic and treatment procedures aimed at addressing the entire dentition. In clinical practice, the term is often hyphenated as full-mouth and appears in several contexts.

In diagnostic imaging, a full-mouth examination, often referred to as a full-mouth radiograph or FMX, is a standardized set of dental X-rays that covers all teeth in both arches and surrounding structures. A typical FMX includes bitewing images to assess interproximal decay and bone levels, plus periapical views for tooth roots and surrounding bone. It is used for initial assessment, treatment planning, and monitoring.

In restorative dentistry, full-mouth rehabilitation (also called full-mouth reconstruction) refers to a comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment plan designed to restore function, occlusion, and aesthetics for patients with extensive tooth wear, decay, trauma, or missing teeth. Plans are tailored to individual needs and may involve extractions, implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, orthodontic alignment, periodontal therapy, and prosthetic rehabilitation. The process is typically staged and requires coordination among dental specialists, with prognosis and maintenance considerations.

In periodontology, full-mouth disinfection is a therapeutic approach that aims to reduce bacterial load by treating all periodontal sites within a short time frame, often in two visits.

Notes: The term is informal in some contexts; precise terminology is preferred in formal documentation.