PA
Also written as: PA — Periapical (radiograph)
Abbreviation for 'periapical', referring to a type of intraoral dental radiograph that captures the full length of one or more teeth, including the root and surrounding bone.
Full Definition
In dental practice documentation, 'PA' is the widely accepted abbreviation for 'periapical' when describing a specific type of dental X-ray. A PA radiograph is taken with the film or sensor placed inside the patient's mouth, angled to capture the crown, root, and periapical bone of target teeth. Editors encountering 'PA' must determine from context whether it refers to a periapical film or, in rare instances, to 'posterior-anterior' (a different radiographic projection used in orthodontics). In treatment notes and billing records, 'PA' is always written in uppercase without periods.
Usage
Usage note: Always uppercase, no periods. Disambiguate with surrounding context — in orthodontic records 'PA' may denote a posterior-anterior cephalometric film.
In Context
- "Two PAs were taken of the upper left quadrant to evaluate root morphology before extraction." — Clinical treatment notes
- "The insurance claim required a PA and a BW to support the proposed crown procedure." — Dental insurance pre-authorisation form