Which radiographic view is best for detecting interproximal caries in posterior teeth?

• A. Maxillary Anterior Periapical
• B. Mandibular Anterior Periapical
• C. Bitewing
• D. Maxillary Posterior Periapical

Answer: (C)

Interproximal caries in posterior teeth are best seen when the radiograph shows the contact areas between adjacent teeth. Bitewing views place the receptor between the teeth and capture the crowns and the interproximal surfaces of multiple posterior teeth in one image. This geometry makes early decay at the contact points visible as a radiolucent area between teeth, which is exactly where interproximal caries begins.

Other views focus on different regions: anterior periapicals mainly show the fronts of front teeth and aren’t optimal for examining posterior contacts, while posterior periapicals concentrate on individual tooth roots and surrounding bone rather than the broad interproximal spaces across multiple posterior teeth. That’s why bitewings are the preferred radiographic view for detecting interproximal caries in the posterior dentition.