Faulty Radiographs

Underdevelopment

Temperature too low (<18), too short exposure, depleted and diluted developer.

Overdevelopment

Temperature too high (>26), too long exposure, developer conc. too high, inadequate fixation, light contamination, improper safelight.

Film Fog

Improper safelight conditions, contaminated solutions, deteriorated films.

Blurred Image

Movement, pressure in incisal or occlusal of the tooth.

Apices/Crown Cutoff

Insufficient vertical angulation, film not pushed down enough or too pushed down.

1.8

(Apices/Crown Cutoff) Make sure __ of film edge us above incisal or occlusal.

Reversed Film

Film exposed on other side, herringbone or tire-track.

Double Imaging

Film is exposed twice, label exposed film meant to be developed later on.

Overlapping Errors

Incorrect horizontal angulation, central ray not directed on interproximal spaces, too mesial/distal.

Foreshortening

Short teeth with blunted apices, too much positive angulation in bisecting technique.

Elongation

Long distorted teeth, too much negative angulation in bisecting technique.

Film Bending

Stretched/distorted, excessive hard palate curvature, too much finger pressure on film.

Cone-cut

Clear area with curved outline, misaligned PID, x-ray not centered on film.

Blank Image

Clear image, film did not receive any radiation.

Film Exposed to Light

Opened before entering dark room, accidental opening of developing box before fixing.

Reticulation

Film appears cracked, film is subjected to sudden temperature change between developer and water.

Developer Spots

Dark spots, developer contacts film before processing, developer spots in film even if packet is unopened.

Yellow-Brown Stains

Insufficient fixing time, insufficient rinsing.

Fixer Spots

Light spots, fixer contacts film before processing, fingers may have residual fixer solution upon opening.

Fingerprint Impression

Handling films wet with developer fluid, handle only wedges of film, use clips.

Scratched Films

Soft film emulsion is removed from film base, non-fixed films are more prone.

Bend Marks

Thin radiolucent line, film is creased and the film emulsion is cracked, gently soften the film corners before placement.

Static Electricity

Thin, black branching lines, opening packet quickly during a period of low humidity.

Air Bubbles

White spots, air is trapped on film surface, agitate and stir films.

Developer Cutoff

Straight white border, low level of developer solution, make sure that film parts are completely immersed in developer solution.

Fixer Cutoff

Straight black border, low level of fixer solution, make sure that all film parts are completely immersed in fixer solution.