Bitewing Radiograph
A type of dental X-ray that captures the crowns and crestal alveolar bone of both the upper and lower posterior teeth on a single image.
Full Definition
A bitewing radiograph is an intraoral radiographic image in which the patient bites on a tab or wing attached to the film or sensor, holding it in place between the teeth. The resulting image shows the coronal portions of upper and lower teeth simultaneously, along with the interproximal surfaces and the level of crestal alveolar bone. Bitewings are the primary tool for detecting interproximal caries and monitoring alveolar bone levels. They do not capture root apices, which distinguishes them from periapical radiographs. Editors should spell 'bitewing' as one unhyphenated word and distinguish it clearly from periapical and panoramic radiographic types.
Usage
Usage note: Write as one unhyphenated word: 'bitewing'. Distinguish clearly from 'periapical radiograph' (full root view) and 'panoramic radiograph' (full-arch view) in all documents.
In Context
- "Four bitewing radiographs were exposed to screen for interproximal caries and assess crestal bone levels." — Radiographic record
- "The editor noted that the report incorrectly referred to a 'bite-wing' X-ray; the unhyphenated form 'bitewing' is standard." — Proofreading note