Bitewing

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, commonly taken during routine dental visits, can show cavities starting to develop between your teeth, as well as bone loss due to gum (periodontal) disease, while periapical X-rays are used to diagnose an abscess or a cyst, and to disclose changes to the roots of the teeth and surrounding bone. Bitewings help diagnose gum disease and cavities between teeth. The bitewing X-ray is placed on the tongue side of your teeth and held in place by biting down on a cardboard tab. Normally four bitewings are taken as a set.