A bitewing x-ray is the most common dental x-ray taken of patients. During a bitewing x-ray, you bite your teeth down together on a cardboard or plastic tab with x-ray film in the center to hold them in place as an x-ray gets taken.
A bitewing x-ray shows the crown portions of the top and bottom teeth, such as molor and premolar teeth. A bitewing x-ray will also show the height of the bone between your teeth. Dentists use bitewing x-rays to aid in the diagnosis of periodontal disease and cavities. Due to the fact that bitewing x-rays show so much about your oral health, dentists usually recommend them at one year intervals.
Bitewing x-rays are a very important tool dentist use to determine the condition of your teeth because they reveal the presence of decay in between the teeth, where it is difficult to otherwise see. Because bitewing X- rays show am extremely detailed image of a smaller area, it becomes much easier for your dentist to see cavities or decay developing between your teeth.
Although you may brush, floss and go for regular cleanings at your dentist’s office, it is still necessary to get bitewing x-rays to ensure maximum oral health.
