A periapical (PA)X-ray refers to a single X-ray that is taken to show a specific area of concern. If you have a tooth ache, your dentist is likely to recommend a PA film to see that whole tooth including the root.

What do the letters mean at the dentist?

DDS means, Doctor of Dental Surgery, and DMD means, Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine. Whether your dentist has a DDS or DMD, it means that they are have the same education and have met the same requirements but that they simply have a different title.

What is a DMD vs DDS?

The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It's up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements.