What are bitewing radiographs primarily useful for determining?

Bitewing radiographs are specifically designed to provide a clear view of the contact areas between teeth, making them particularly effective for identifying inter-proximal caries, assessing proximal bone height, and evaluating the fit of restorative crowns. The bitewing technique captures the crowns of both upper and lower teeth in one film, allowing clinicians to detect early signs of tooth decay that might be hidden between teeth, which is often where caries develop.

In addition to identifying cavities, bitewing radiographs also allow for the assessment of bone levels around teeth, which is important for diagnosing periodontitis or other bone-related issues. They help in determining how much bone support a tooth has, which is crucial for treatment planning, especially when considering the placement of crowns or other restorative materials. Therefore, the combination of these applications selects b as the most comprehensive and accurate response to the question regarding the primary utility of bitewing radiographs.