Are bitewing X-rays covered by insurance?
Usually yes, at 100% as a preventive service, as long as the plan's once-a-year limit has not already been used. Bitewing X-rays (code D0274) are the standard set of four small films that show where the upper and lower back teeth touch, which is where cavities like to hide between teeth.
100%
Preventive on most plans
1 per year
The usual adult limit on most plans. Some allow two sets a year for children, and the same plan can run a different clock for each age group.
Bundled with FMX
Take bitewings the same day as a full-mouth series (D0210) and most plans fold them into the FMX. They will not pay both lines.
One shared clock
D0272 and D0274 draw from the same bitewing frequency. Two films in the spring means four films in the fall denies on a once-a-year plan.
Used or not?
The eligibility check shows the bitewing frequency limit and whether it is already used this year, before the patient sits down. No phone call, no guessing.
What would a real check show for this patient's D0274?
Pick a sample plan and type your fee. This is the visibility a real-time check gives the desk for every actual patient, in under a second.
Eligibility readout · D0274
Sample- Coverage
- Active, preventive covered at 100%
- Frequency
- Once per 12 months, adults
- Patient share
- Type your fee to see it
Estimate from a sample plan. A real check reads the actual plan in under a second.
When D0274 is the right code
- Four bitewing films taken at one visit
- Adult or teen with back teeth on both sides
- Routine cavity check, not a single-tooth problem
- No full-mouth series taken the same day
Documentation payers expect
The date of service and the images themselves. In a frequency dispute the payer compares against the last bitewing date from any office, so keep that date in the chart.
Why bitewing X-rays get denied
What happens after the bitewings
Bitewings are where cavities get found, so the next line on the ledger is usually a filling: D2391 for a small back-tooth composite, D2392 or D2393 as it grows. Those are basic services, which most plans pay at 70 to 80% after the deductible, and that is the number the patient asks about at checkout. The desk that already ran the check knows the basic percentage and the remaining deductible before the dentist finishes reading the film.
D0274, quick answers
Does insurance cover bitewing X-rays?
Most plans cover D0274 at 100% as a preventive service, with no deductible, as long as the yearly frequency is still open.
How often will a plan pay for bitewings?
Typically once a year for adults. Some plans allow two sets a year for children, and the same plan can use a different clock for each age group.
Can we bill bitewings with a full-mouth series?
Usually not on the same day. Most plans bundle bitewings into the full-mouth series (D0210) and pay only the FMX.
What if the patient had bitewings at another office this year?
Those count against the same frequency. The plan tracks the service, not the office, so the new set can deny even though your office never took one.
Do bitewings count against the annual maximum?
On many plans preventive services do count toward the annual maximum, while some plans leave them out. The eligibility check shows the maximum remaining either way.
More questions? Schedule 15 minutes with us and bring your toughest plan.
Every bitewing patient, frequency checked before the film is taken.
First month free, then $2.50 a check. No seat fees, no contract.
Book 15 minutes, demo or onboarding
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Related: D0272 · D0210 · D0120
CDT is maintained by the American Dental Association. This page is Valian's own plain-English summary for front-desk teams, not official CDT descriptor text, and is not billing or clinical advice. Coverage patterns are common plan behaviors; every plan differs. Verify benefits before treatment.