Which radiographic view provides an extended view of posterior teeth and includes assessment of bone levels and pockets?

• A. Shows only enamel surfaces
• B. Shows anterior teeth only
• C. Provides extended view of posterior teeth with bone levels and pockets
• D. Is used for TMJ analysis

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that to assess the health of the bone around posterior teeth, you use a bitewing radiographic view. Bitewings capture the crowns of the posterior teeth and the surrounding alveolar bone crest between them, so you can see how high the bone sits relative to the tooth and detect bone loss that corresponds to periodontal pockets. This makes it the most informative view for evaluating bone levels and periodontal status in the back teeth. Views that only show enamel, or only anterior teeth, or TMJ structures don’t provide this information about the bone support around posterior teeth.