Bitewings Xrays
Why Bitewings Are Preventive — Not Just Diagnostic
Most people think of X-rays as something you have when something is wrong. With bitewings, the goal is the opposite: we take them when everything seems fine — because that’s when they catch the problems that are forming silently.
Decay between the teeth (where one tooth contacts the next) is invisible to the naked eye and painless in its early stages. By the time you feel it, the cavity has often reached deep into the dentin and may need a large filling or even a crown. Bitewings find these cavities while they’re still microscopic — when a tiny filling, or sometimes just fluoride, is all that’s needed.
What Bitewings Reveal
- Decay between back teeth (interproximal decay) — the most common location for new cavities
- Decay forming under the edges of existing fillings or crowns
- Early bone loss from periodontitis
- Tartar build-up below the gum line that visual exam may miss
- Poorly fitted fillings or crowns that trap food
- The depth and extent of any decay seen visually
How Often Should Bitewings Be Taken?
- Adults with low decay risk:
- Every 18–24 months
- Adults with high decay risk (history of decay, smokers, diabetics, dry mouth):
- Every 6–12 months
- Adults with active gum disease:
- Every 6–12 months — also to monitor bone levels
- Children:
- First bitewings around age 5–6 (when contact points form between baby teeth)
- Then every 6–18 months depending on decay risk
- Orthodontic patients:
- Every 6 months during treatment — the brackets and wires significantly increase decay risk
- Pregnant women:
- Postponed unless urgent. Hormonal changes increase gum and decay risk, but we delay routine bitewings until after delivery
The Procedure Step by Step
Preparation
You sit upright in the dental chair. We place a lead apron over you and, where needed, a thyroid collar around your neck.
Sensor placement:
We place a small digital sensor sideways in your mouth, between the upper and lower back teeth. A small bite-holder helps stabilise the position.
Exposure:
You close your mouth and stay still. The exposure itself lasts less than 1 second — quieter than a camera flash
Repeat from the other side:
We typically take one image from the left side and one from the right — total exam time about 1–2 minutes
Immediate viewing:
The digital images appear instantly on screen. We discuss what we see with you, including any developing decay or other findings.
Are Bitewings Safe?
- Yes — extremely safe. Modern digital bitewings emit approximately 0.005 mSv of radiation per image. For comparison:
- One bitewing: 0.005 mSv (about 1 day of natural background radiation)
- Two bitewings: 0.01 mSv
- Background radiation per year: 3 mSv
- Single transatlantic flight: 0.04–0.08 mSv
- With a lead apron and thyroid collar, the dose is even further minimised. The risk of skipping a bitewing — and missing a developing cavity — vastly outweighs the radiation risk.
Why Digital Bitewings Are Better Than Traditional Film
- Up to 90% less radiation than older film X-rays
- Instant results — no chemical processing
- Sharper, more detailed images — early decay visible earlier
- Digital enhancement (magnification, contrast adjustment) for better diagnosis
- Easy storage, comparison with previous X-rays, and sharing with specialists
- More environmentally friendly — no chemicals or film waste
What Happens If Decay Is Found
Very early decay (white spot lesion):
Often reversible. We may apply fluoride varnish, prescribe high-fluoride toothpaste, and re-evaluatein 6 months.
Small decay in enamel only:
Tiny filling — usually 15–20 minutes, painless, often without anaesthesia.
Decay reaching the dentin:
Standard white filling — 30–45 minutes.
Larger decay near the pulp:
May require a larger restoration (inlay or crown), or in advanced cases, root canal treatment.This is exactly why we don’t wait for symptoms — and exactly why bitewings matter.
Everything You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do I need bitewings if I don't have any tooth pain?
Because the cavities that bitewings find don’t cause pain in their early stages. By the time pain starts, the cavity is usually large and requires a more extensive (and expensive) treatment. The whole purpose of bitewings is to catch decay early — when it’s still painless.
Is the radiation really safe?
Yes. A single digital bitewing exposes you to less radiation than you receive naturally in 24 hours simply by living on Earth. With the lead apron, the dose is even lower. The clinical benefit of catching decay early vastly outweighs the negligible radiation risk.
Can I refuse bitewings?
Of course — it’s your choice. However, doing so means we may miss decay between your teeth until it becomes large enough to cause symptoms — by which time treatment is more complex. At Dentistar, we explain what we’d be looking for, and you decide.
How many bitewings do you take at one visit?
Most patients have 2 bitewings (one on each side). Some patients with many back teeth or in complex assessments may have 4. We never take more than necessary.
Can bitewings be taken in pregnancy?
We delay routine bitewings during pregnancy. If you have severe pain or a suspected emergency, we proceed with full protective shielding — but for routine prevention, we wait until after delivery.
My child fidgets — can they still have bitewings?
Yes, with patience. We use child-sized sensors that are more comfortable, and our paediatric team explains the process in a way that puts kids at ease. Most children manage two bitewings without difficulty by age 6–7.
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward a healthier smile.