Diagnosing periodontal and dental indicators with horizontal and vertical bitewing radiographs

Objective The aim of this study is to compare information provided by the 2 orientations of bitewing radiographs, horizontal (HBW) and vertical (VBW) taken in a dental school. Methods and Materials Radiographic records were reviewed at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) for patients showing posterior bone loss who had both HBW and VBW. 320 records were reviewed with 6 criteria: visibility of crestal bone from the distal of the cuspids to the distal of the most posterior tooth, visibility of horizontal or angular bone loss, the crestal density of bone, visibility of interproximal contact areas, visibility of the entire anatomical crown, and visibility of furcations. Results Significantly higher number of VBW compared with HBW (P