Final answer:
The typical adult full mouth radiographic survey uses 18 films to adequately cover all the teeth and areas of the mouth for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total number of films used in a typical adult full mouth radiographic survey is 18. This number of films ensures that all areas of the dentition are adequately captured to aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning. The teeth in an adult are divided into various types, such as incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, and are situated in both the upper and lower jaws. A full-mouth series will typically include periapical films that show the entire length of the teeth, as well as interproximal films that show the areas between the teeth.