Procedures
Periapical X-ray
Also called PA, PA film
A close-up X-ray showing one or two whole teeth, from the crown down to the root tip and surrounding bone.
A periapical X-ray, often called a PA, shows a few teeth completely, including the root tips and the bone around them. Dentists use it to find infection at the root, check how a root canal looks, or assess a painful tooth. Unlike a bitewing, it shows the whole length of the tooth. Staff will see PA in notes and claims, often paired with a number for how many were taken.
Example at the front desk
Please take a PA on number 14 before the doctor sees him.