periapical
1
9.5
- adjective
- /ˌpɛriˈeɪpɪkəl/
- Specialized
- Because the roots of the second and third molars lie below the mylohyoid line, odontogenic infection from a periapical abscess can descend into the submandibular space.
Examples
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Appears to be a horizontal fracture with a periapical infection, a fistula draining, and pulpal necrosis.
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During the examination, the x-ray showed several periapical lesions that needed to be treated.
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But before I could leap into the air for joy, I noted another entry of $11 for the "intraoral-periapical first film."
Fiction book (2002) -
The dentist explained that the periapical area of the tooth was inflamed due to an infection.
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Regular check-ups help identify periapical issues before they lead to more severe dental problems.
Synonyms
1
8.9
At the tip of something, especially a plant or body part
1
9.9
Relating to the root of a nerve or tooth
How Near
Surface Forms
Morphology
periapical = apical (semi-transparent) = peri + apic + al
Formed by adding the medical prefix 'peri-' (around) to the adjective 'apical'; the meaning 'around the tip (apex) of a tooth' is clear for those familiar with medical terms but specialized for general learners.
Etymology
The word periapical breaks into peri- meaning 'around' and apical, from apex meaning 'tip'. So it literally means 'around the tip', which explains why it describes the area around the tip of a tooth's root.