Final answer:
Bite-wing radiographs are most valuable for detecting proximal surface caries, which are difficult to spot through visual examination as they occur on the surfaces between adjacent teeth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bite-wing radiographs are a type of dental X-ray that are particularly effective for detecting certain types of decay that are not easily visible during a visual examination. Among the options provided, bite-wing radiographs are most valuable for detecting proximal surface caries. Proximal surfaces are the surfaces of the teeth that are next to each other; decay here is typically hidden from view by the adjacent tooth. While other types of decay, such as occlusal carious lesions, hyperemia of the pulp, and cervical caries, may also be detected by radiographs, bite-wings are specifically designed to reveal decay between teeth where visual examination and probing may be inadequate.