Bitewing Radiograph
An intraoral dental radiographic projection in which the film or sensor captures the crowns and crestal bone of both maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth simultaneously, used to detect interproximal caries and measure alveolar crestal bone levels.
Full Definition
A bitewing radiograph (also termed an interproximal radiograph) is produced by placing an intraoral receptor stabilised by a tab that the patient bites upon, allowing simultaneous imaging of the upper and lower posterior tooth crowns and adjacent alveolar crests. It is the standard radiographic tool in epidemiological caries research and is referenced extensively in methods sections describing diagnostic criteria. Editors should note that 'bitewing' is written as one word (not 'bite-wing' or 'bite wing') in contemporary dental research style. It should be distinguished from periapical radiographs, which capture the full length of selected teeth including the root apex.
Usage
Usage note: Always written as one unhyphenated word: 'bitewing'. Editors should confirm the manuscript distinguishes between bitewing and periapical radiograph types when both are used.
In Context
- "Two posterior bitewing radiographs were taken at baseline to assess the prevalence of approximal caries lesions." — Methods section of a dental caries epidemiology study
- "The copy editor corrected 'bite-wing radiograph' to the standard single-word form 'bitewing radiograph' throughout the manuscript." — Editorial revision notes on a dental journal submission