Dental x-ray bitewing positioning

The film packet should be positioned with its long axis horizontally for a horizontal bitewing or vertically for a vertical bitewing (Fig. 9.2). The posterior teeth and the film packet should be in contact or as close together as possible.Bitewing Technique Film Position (Same for tabs or Rinn BW instrument) The premolar bitewing film is approximately centered on the 2nd premolar; the front edge of the film should be at least in the middle of the canine. The molar film is centered on the 2nd molar if the third molars are present. The long axis of the film is horizontal.• The image receptor should be positioned centrally within the holder with the upper and lower edges of the image receptor parallel to the bite-platform. • The image receptor should be positioned with its long axis horizontally for a horizontal bitewing or vertically for a vertical bitewing (Fig. 10.2).Bitewings are usually prescribed in a series of 4 films, positioned on both sides of the mouth, examining the structures from the eye teeth, or canines, back. Bitewing Procedure The patient is seated in an upright position in the dental chair. The patient is covered with a lead apron and thyroid collar.The term bitewing refers to how the film — or sensor, in the case of a digital X-ray — is positioned in the mouth: the patient bites down on a little tab or wing that holds the apparatus in place. One bitewing is taken for each side to assess the posterior teeth.