Bitewings is an intraoral examination, illustrating the crown of the upper and lower teeth of the same patient side on a fluorographic phosphor film. Its high diagnostic value makes it a fundamental and necessary imaging tool for dentists to highlight potential caries undetectable in a clinical examination.

A Bitewings series typically consists of four X-rays - two for each side. In young children, sometimes only one Bitewing X-ray per side is necessary.

The frequency of Bitewing X-rays depends on various factors, including age, tooth development stage, and caries development risk. During childhood or adolescence, or for adults with high caries rate, Bitewing X-rays can be taken every 6 to 12 months. Frequent requests are intended to prevent late detection and rapid cary spread, potentially requiring extensive treatment or even resulting in tooth loss.

Bitewing X-rays are indicated in conjunction with a clinical examination to highlight:

• Caries and dental substance loss

• Crown fractures

• Periodontal bone loss

• Pulp anatomy

• Prosthetic work placement

Executing a Bitewing X-ray requires no special preparation. The patient is seated while the operator uses special X-ray retainers and the parallel cone technique, to scan the crown of the upper and lower teeth of each side on a special phosphor film placed inside the mouth.

Following this, the image is transferred to a computer using a special scanner. The parallelization method used to visualize teeth helps reduce magnification and avoid overlapping images.

The X-ray examination results are printed immediately and can also be sent electronically to the patient and their dentist upon request.

The radiation from a Bitewing X-ray is minuscule and can be safely performed on pregnant women if necessary. Our modern equipment ensures minimal radiation exposure for the best results, using a digital scanner system with high-sensitivity phosphor plates and the parallel cone technique reduces scattered radiation.

Using the parallel cone technique, a Bitewing X-ray offers:

• High definition

• High resolution

• Reduced magnification

• Absence of coprojections of anatomical structures

Bitewing is the preferred X-ray type for caries detection and is also widely used to investigate pathologies not discernible from other imaging methods (e.g., panoramic X-ray).

At Dentalray, we have extensive experience, knowledge, and a specialized staff for the effective execution of complex and demanding diagnostic exams.

Bitewing X-rays require placing the X-ray film inside the patient's mouth, demanding the operator's experience. Dentalray's examination of Bitewings is performed with dental X-ray retainers that ensure no magnification and avoid the coprojection of other anatomical structures. Our perpendicular beam on the tooth's longitudinal axis offers correct visualization of interdental spaces.

With state-of-the-art digital dental equipment and high-resolution dental scanners, we ensure X-rays of high diagnostic value, free from artifacts, magnifications, and false images. Our years of experience and case management equip us to handle even the most demanding scenarios promptly. Trust Dentalray for thorough, precise, and effective dental diagnostics.