D0270 is the CDT code for a single bitewing X-ray — one image showing the crowns of the upper and lower back teeth on one side to check for cavities between them. It's used when just one bitewing is needed rather than a full set.
What D0270 means
D0270 covers a single bitewing radiographic image. "D" is dental, "02" is the radiographs subfamily, and "70" is the one-image bitewing. A bitewing shows the crowns of the upper and lower back teeth biting together on one side, which is the ideal view for spotting decay between teeth and checking bone levels.
The bitewing codes are organized by how many images are taken: D0270 is one, D0272 is two, D0273 is three, and D0274 is four. A single bitewing is used when only one specific area needs checking — for example to follow up on one spot — rather than the full recall set.
Matching the code to the number of images actually taken matters for accurate billing. Insurers also apply frequency limits to bitewings as preventive imaging, and overlapping combinations of films can be subject to bundling into a larger series.
When it's typically used
D0270 is reported when a single bitewing image is taken — typically to check one specific area for decay between the back teeth, rather than capturing the full four-image recall set.
How much does D0270 cost?
A single bitewing is one of the lowest-cost X-rays, often roughly 15 to 40 USD depending on region and office. Larger bitewing sets cost proportionally more.
Is D0270 covered by insurance?
Usually covered under preventive imaging benefits, subject to the plan's bitewing frequency limits (often once or twice a year for the set). The code should match the number of images taken, and overlapping films may be bundled.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the D0270 dental code?
- It's a single bitewing X-ray — one image showing the crowns of the upper and lower back teeth on one side to check for cavities between them.
- When is just one bitewing taken?
- When only one specific area needs checking — such as following up on a single spot — rather than the full four-image recall set.
- How do the bitewing codes differ?
- By image count: D0270 is one, D0272 is two, D0273 is three, and D0274 is four. The code should match how many images were actually taken.
- How much does a D0270 bitewing cost?
- Often around 15 to 40 USD depending on location and office, one of the lowest-cost X-rays. Larger sets cost more.
- Is D0270 covered by insurance?
- Usually under preventive imaging benefits, subject to bitewing frequency limits. Overlapping films may be bundled into a larger series.
- What's the difference between a bitewing and a periapical?
- A bitewing (D0270) shows the crowns of back teeth to find cavities between them. A periapical shows an entire tooth root-to-crown for diagnosing a specific tooth.
This page is an independent, plain-language explanation for general information only. It is not billing, coding, or clinical advice. For the official CDT descriptor and current-year wording, refer to the American Dental Association.