Bite-wing x-rays detect decay between teeth and changes in the thickness of bone caused by gum disease. Periapical radiographs x-rays show the whole tooth — from the crown, to beyond the root where the tooth attaches into the jaw. Each periapical radiographs x-ray shows all teeth in one portion of either the upper or lower jaw.
How Dental X-Rays Work. When the X-rays pass through the mouth, the teeth and bones absorb more of the ray than the gums and soft tissues, so the teeth appear lighter on the final X-ray image (called a radiograph). Areas of tooth decay and infection look darker because they don’t absorb as much of the X-ray.
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.
The paralleling technique is now standard for intraoral X-ray diagnostics. The paralleling technique requires holders that align the sensor at a right angle to the central beam and thus parallel to the tooth axis.
The bitewing radiograph (BW) is an image that depicts the maxillary and mandibular crowns of the teeth. Providing a clear image of the interproximal surfaces of the teeth and allowing for the detection of interproximal caries. Digital radiographic sensors can also be used to produce BWs.
