BITE WINGS

A bite-wing is a single X-ray that shows upper and lower teeth (from crown to about the level of the supporting bone) in a select area on the same film to check for decay in between teeth.

Bitewing x-rays show the crowns of your molar and premolar teeth, and the height of the bone between your teeth, aiding in the diagnosis of cavities and periodontal disease.

Bitewing images usually consist of four films, two on each side, which are necessary to capture all the back teeth — premolars and molars. Often only one bitewing image per side is required in smaller children.