Drs. Bloom & Wygodski

727-384-4151

openwide@mindspring.com

Preventive Care

Bitewing X-Rays

Bite wing x-rays are the most common x-rays taken in dentistry.

Your dentist uses them to:

  • find cavities between the teeth

  • see tartar on the roots

  • find worn-out fillings

  • locate receding bone levels from periodontal disease

    • A small packet of x-ray film is placed inside your mouth. When you bite on the tab on the side of the packet, the film becomes properly aligned to get a picture of your upper and lower teeth at the same time.

    A lead apron is draped over you to protect the rest of your body while your dentist x-rays your mouth.

    Dental x-rays use high-speed film, so the amount of radiation exposure is very low. Though machines vary, bitewing x-rays only add as much radiation as you'd get from about 3 extra weeks of natural background radiation. Even if you've recently had other x-rays taken, bitewing x-rays do not add to that exposure.

    Bitewing x-rays are a necessary part of regular dental checkups. They give your dentist vital information that she can't get from any other source.