Radiology in dentistry: bitewing: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Radiology in dentistry: bitewing

Sample item

What is the main diagnostic use of bitewing radiographs?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Detecting interproximal caries and assessing crestal bone levels

Bitewing radiographs show the crowns of posterior teeth and the alveolar crests, making them useful for proximal caries detection and periodontal bone-level assessment. They do not image soft-tissue joint discs.

Option by option

  • A. Assessing temporomandibular joint disc position

    MRI is better for TMJ disc position.

  • B. Evaluating the maxillary sinus in detail

    Dedicated CT or sinus imaging assesses sinus anatomy in detail.

  • C. Measuring facial asymmetry

    Facial asymmetry requires different clinical and imaging approaches.

  • D. Detecting interproximal caries and assessing crestal bone levels (correct)

    Correct. Bitewings are optimized for posterior contacts and crestal bone.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Detecting interproximal caries and assessing crestal bone levels. Bitewing radiographs show the crowns of posterior teeth and the alveolar crests, making them useful for proximal caries detection and periodontal bone-level assessment.

Why is "Assessing temporomandibular joint disc position" not the answer?

MRI is better for TMJ disc position.

Why is "Evaluating the maxillary sinus in detail" not the answer?

Dedicated CT or sinus imaging assesses sinus anatomy in detail.

Why is "Measuring facial asymmetry" not the answer?

Facial asymmetry requires different clinical and imaging approaches.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Radiology in dentistry: bitewing in Dentistry. They do not image soft-tissue joint discs.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Radiology in dentistry: bitewing?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.