---
title: "What Is Periapical X-ray? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A periapical X-ray shows one or two whole teeth from the crown to the root tip and the bone around them. Dentists use it to check a specific tooth."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periapical-x-ray
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Technology and Imaging

# Periapical X-ray

A periapical X-ray shows one or two whole teeth from the crown to the root tip and the bone around them. Dentists use it to check a specific tooth.

A periapical X-ray focuses on a small area. It shows one or two complete teeth, from the visible crown down to the root and the surrounding bone. Dentists use it when they need to look closely at a tooth that hurts or at the tissue near the root tip.

This view can help show signs of infection, bone loss, or damage at the root. It is often used while planning or checking [root canal treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal), and for other single-tooth concerns.

It is one of several image types, along with the [bitewing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bitewing-x-ray) and the [panoramic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/panoramic-x-ray) X-ray. Most are taken as a [digital X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-x-ray). Ask your dentist why a particular image is needed.

[Town Center Dental can helpRoot Canal Treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal)

## Related terms

-   [Digital X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-x-ray)
-   [Bitewing X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bitewing-x-ray)
-   [Panoramic X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/panoramic-x-ray)
-   [Pulp vitality test](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/pulp-vitality-test)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus: Dental x-rays](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003801.htm)
2.  [ADA MouthHealthy: X-rays](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/x-rays)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)