A bitewing image allows visualization of which areas?

A bitewing image is specifically designed to capture the posterior teeth in both the maxilla and mandible, allowing for a detailed view of specific oral structures. The correct choice highlights that a bitewing radiograph effectively shows the crown of the teeth, which is the visible part above the gums, along with the proximal areas and interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth.

The proximal area refers to the surfaces of the teeth that are adjacent to one another, where cavities and periodontal disease can often develop. The interproximal area is crucial for dentists as it helps identify issues such as caries or bone loss in the spaces between the teeth, which is not well visualized with other types of radiographs.

In contrast, the focus of the other options tends to include areas not typically emphasized in bitewing images or requires additional views to see adequately. For instance, while the pulp and apex relate more to periapical images, which emphasize the roots and surrounding bone structures, the structures in the answer provided adequately reflect the primary intention of bitewings: to assess the crowns and the interproximal regions for any pathologies. Therefore, option B is the most accurate representation of what can be visualized with a bitewing image.