Bitewing radiographs (X-rays) may be exposed to evaluate your hard tissues (tooth and bone) for tooth decay, bone loss, or signs of other disease processes. Bitewings allow a look at teeth in both jaws with a single film. They normally don’t show any tooth in its entirety unless they are positioned in the mouth vertically. Vertical bitewings are most commonly used in patients who have a history of periodontal disease. A series of bitewing radiographs is necessary to visualize all of the teeth.
Bitewing X-rays in younger children may often be excluded if there is enough space between their molar teeth to see and brush between them; and if there is no visual sign of decay when the dentist examines them. As the six-year molars begin to move toward eruption into the mouth, they often push the primary molars forward and close the spaces between them. At that point, bitewing X-rays may be advisable to evaluate the surfaces which can no longer be seen visually.
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