Periapical Radiograph
Pronunciation: pehr-ee-AY-pih-kul RAY-dee-oh-graf
An intraoral X-ray image that captures the entire tooth — crown, root, and surrounding bone — including the apex and periapical tissues.
Full Definition
A periapical radiograph is a standard intraoral dental X-ray designed to show the complete structure of one or more teeth from the crown to the root apex, along with the surrounding alveolar bone. It is used to detect periapical pathology such as abscesses, cysts, and granulomas. The image is typically acquired using a paralleling or bisecting-angle technique. Editors working with dental radiology reports must distinguish this term from bitewing or panoramic radiographs, which capture different anatomical scopes. The term should always be hyphenated as shown and not abbreviated to 'PA' without prior definition.
Usage
Usage note: Do not shorten to 'PA film' in formal reports without first spelling out the full term. Distinguish clearly from bitewing radiographs, which do not capture the root apex.
In Context
- "The periapical radiograph revealed a well-defined radiolucency at the apex of the maxillary left central incisor." — Dental radiology report
- "A periapical radiograph was prescribed to evaluate the extent of periradicular bone loss." — Clinical case notes