Detection of proximal carious lesions: two-film versus four-film bitewing radiography.

The use of four posterior bitewing radiographs was compared with the use of two bitewing radiographs in fifty patients. The radiographs were evaluated with regard to the number of proximal carious lesions that could be detected and the number of technical errors in each technique. It was concluded that the four-bitewing radiographic technique is easier to perform, produces fewer technical errors, and provides the clinician with more diagnostic information than the two-bitewing radiographic method, and it is therefore recommended for routine radiographic examination.