Bitewings and Kids
Channel: Jarod W. Johnson D.D.S.
Date: 2021-09-21

Panoramic and BW Panoramic images should not be used for the diagnosis of interproximal decay in young children.  In primary teeth 60% of dental decay is interproximal.  BW radiographs should be made as soon as a child has posterior contacts.  Guardians of children who cannot tolerate BWs should be informed there could be interproximal decay that we cannot see.  This way you won't have any "surprise" cavities when you finally get BWs.  

Here was a recent referral to my office.  When we obtained BWs we found more treatment than what was on the presenting x-ray.  

There are many technologies that have size 0 sensors.  If you are treating children you should have a size 0 sensor, phosphor plate, or traditional film at your office.