A bitewing x-ray is a common type of dental radiography used to evaluate oral health or a particular area of the mouth. The film includes a small tab held between the teeth, and the x-ray can reveal signs of dental problems that aren’t visible on a basic physical exam. Dentists usually don’t recommend x-rays unless necessary to limit radiation exposure.
A bitewing is a type of X-ray image that is taken by a dentist to evaluate oral health or to look at a particular area of the mouth. Also known as a bitewing, the bitewing radiograph is the most common type of dental radiography. Most people who have had X-rays at the dentist’s office have received a bitewing x-ray and have likely been shown the film by a dentist in the process of explaining a procedure or situation.
In this type of x-ray, the film includes a small tab that is held between the closed teeth. With the patient still, the film is exposed with the use of an external X-ray machine, then removed and developed. Once developed, the film will show several lower and upper teeth, along with their roots.
Sometimes, dentists order a complete set of x-rays, in which the entire mouth is x-rayed with a series of progressively overlaid images. This is usually done when a patient visits a dentist’s office for the first time or when someone hasn’t visited the dentist for some time. Doctors may also order bitewings of various areas of the mouth, including close-ups of the teeth that have been repaired, so the dentist can confirm that the repair was done correctly and that it is healing well. For this reason, X-rays are usually ordered after any extraction or filling procedure.
It can be uncomfortable for a patient to receive a bitewing x-ray, especially if they have a small mouth, because the film can be hard and needs to be large, to ensure the x-ray captures everything. Most dental offices are well aware of the comfort issue and staff may have suggestions to help people cope with the uncomfortable feeling. It is also not uncommon to vomit when the film is placed in the mouth.
Getting X-rays is important, because they can reveal signs of dental problems that aren’t visible on a basic physical exam. Dentists usually don’t recommend x-rays unless they believe imaging is necessary and appropriate, as they want to limit radiation exposure. These x-rays can reveal information about how your teeth are developing, if your teeth are moving or crowded, and if there are any signs of decay in your mouth. By detecting these problems early, a dentist can save the patient a great deal of money and pain.
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