Bitewing Radiograph
A specific intraoral dental X-ray that captures the crowns and crestal bone of both upper and lower posterior teeth on a single image, used primarily to detect interproximal caries and bone levels.
Full Definition
A bitewing radiograph is taken with the patient biting down on a small wing attached to the X-ray receptor, positioning the film parallel to the posterior teeth. It simultaneously images the crowns of maxillary and mandibular teeth, making it the primary tool for diagnosing interproximal decay and monitoring early alveolar bone changes. In dental billing and documentation, bitewings are coded separately from full-mouth series (FMX) or periapical films. Editors must not conflate 'bitewing' with 'periapical' or use 'X-ray' as a synonym in formal records. Insurance carriers specify frequencies (e.g., bitewings covered once every 12 or 24 months) that affect claim validity.
Usage
Usage note: The plural 'bitewings' is correct when referring to a standard set of two or four images. Do not hyphenate ('bite-wing') in modern dental documentation.
In Context
- "The claim was denied because bitewing radiographs had already been submitted for this patient within the past 12 months." — Insurance denial letter
- "When editing clinical notes, distinguish 'bitewing' from 'periapical'—the two capture different anatomical regions." — Editorial style guide for dental records