Dental X-rays serve as important diagnostic tools, offering insights into oral structures not visible during a routine visual examination. Bitewing X-rays are a common imaging technique that provides dentists with crucial information about the health of teeth and surrounding bone, helping to identify potential issues early. This article will explain how bitewing X-rays are taken and what they reveal about oral health.
What Are Bitewing X-rays?
Bitewing X-rays are named for the small tab or “wing” that a patient bites down on to hold the X-ray film or digital sensor in place. This positioning allows the X-ray to capture images of the crowns of both upper and lower teeth in a single view. They primarily focus on the posterior teeth, which include the premolars and molars.
The technique is designed to show the areas between teeth, known as interproximal surfaces, and the height of the surrounding bone. This specific angulation provides a clear view of these areas, which are often difficult to assess visually. Digital bitewing X-rays offer advantages such as lower radiation exposure, instant image processing, and enhanced viewing capabilities for dentists.
Detecting Dental Issues
Bitewing X-rays effectively reveal dental conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. They are the standard method for diagnosing interproximal dental caries, commonly known as cavities between teeth. These cavities are challenging to detect visually because they form in tight spaces where tooth surfaces touch.
The X-rays can show these early decay spots, allowing for intervention before they become larger problems. Bitewings also help assess bone loss associated with periodontal disease, providing a detailed view of the bone level supporting the teeth.
Beyond decay and bone loss, bitewing X-rays can evaluate the integrity of existing dental restorations like fillings and crowns. They can reveal issues such as decay beneath an existing filling or gaps where the restoration meets the natural tooth structure. This helps dentists determine if a restoration is still well-sealed or if it requires attention. These X-rays can also indicate abnormalities within the pulp chamber, such as deep decay approaching the nerve of the tooth or other internal issues.
Why Bitewings Are Essential
Bitewing X-rays are a foundational component of routine dental check-ups due to their ability to detect problems in their early stages. Catching issues like interproximal cavities or early bone loss before they cause pain allows for simpler and less extensive treatment, preventing conditions from worsening and potentially avoiding more complex and costly procedures.
These X-rays provide a comprehensive view of oral health that a visual examination alone cannot offer. They enable dentists to create precise treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. Regular bitewing X-rays contribute to long-term oral health by supporting preventative care strategies and monitoring the progression of any existing dental concerns over time.
Safety Considerations
Concerns about radiation exposure during dental X-rays are common, but modern technology has significantly reduced the dose. Digital X-ray systems expose patients to very minimal radiation, with some emitting as little as 0.1 mrem, an amount comparable to or less than the daily background radiation an individual receives from their environment.
Protective measures, such as lead aprons and thyroid collars, were historically used during X-ray procedures. However, recent recommendations from organizations like the American Dental Association indicate that these shields are no longer routinely necessary. This is due to the extremely low radiation doses from modern equipment and and the potential for shields to obstruct the X-ray beam, sometimes requiring repeat images. The frequency of bitewing X-rays is determined by individual patient risk factors, such as age and susceptibility to decay. For healthy adults, bitewing X-rays are typically recommended every 12 to 18 months.