Periapical Radiograph
Pronunciation: pair-ee-AY-pik-ul RAY-dee-oh-graf
A dental X-ray image showing the entire tooth including root and surrounding bone, often accompanying laboratory prescriptions for implant or post-and-core cases.
Full Definition
A periapical radiograph is a dental radiographic image that captures the complete tooth from crown to root apex, along with the surrounding alveolar bone. Dental laboratories receive periapical radiographs as part of the supporting documentation for complex cases such as post-and-core fabrication, implant prosthetics, and root-retained overdentures, where root dimensions and bone levels influence design decisions. Editors should be aware that 'periapical' relates to the area surrounding the root apex and is distinct from 'bitewing,' which shows the coronal portions of opposing teeth. Abbreviation 'PA radiograph' or 'PA film' is common in lab documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate as 'PA radiograph' or 'PA' only in contexts where the full term has already been introduced; avoid 'periapical x-ray' in formal documentation.
In Context
- "The clinician attached a periapical radiograph to confirm root length before the post-and-core was fabricated." — Laboratory case file
- "Please include a current periapical radiograph for all implant-supported crown cases." — Laboratory submission guidelines