Bitewing Radiograph
A dental X-ray taken with the patient biting on a film or sensor tab, designed to visualise the crowns and alveolar crests of both upper and lower posterior teeth simultaneously.
Full Definition
The bitewing radiograph is a standard intraoral projection used to detect interproximal caries, monitor alveolar bone levels, and assess the marginal fit of restorations. The patient bites on a tab or positioner, aligning the film parallel to the posterior teeth and allowing simultaneous imaging of the maxillary and mandibular crowns on a single image. Horizontal bitewings are routine for caries detection; vertical bitewings are indicated when alveolar bone loss needs to be assessed. Editors should hyphenate 'bitewing' as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., 'bitewing radiograph') and note that 'bitewing X-ray' is acceptable in patient-facing documents but 'bitewing radiograph' is preferred in clinical and scientific writing.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'bitewing radiograph' over 'bitewing X-ray' in clinical and scientific writing. 'Bitewing' should remain as one unhyphenated word when used as a noun.
In Context
- "Four posterior bitewing radiographs were taken as part of the new patient examination." — Clinical examination record
- "The bitewing radiograph revealed mesial caries on the upper right second premolar extending into dentine." — Dental treatment plan