Problems with radiographs and how to correct them

Question 1

Problem: Image is too light, washed out, very little detail

-3 exposure causes and 4 processing causes-

Answer 1

Possible exposure cause:

1. ) mA setting is too low
2. ) Intraoral packet irradiated backwards
3. ) Low-contrast film

Possible processing cause:

1. ) Not in developer long enough
2. ) Processing temp. is too low
3. ) Chemicals are old or exhausted
4. ) Working solutions have not been replenished

Question 2

Problem: Image is too dark (black), anatomical structures cannot be seen readily, image is flat and low in contrast

-1 exposure cause and 3 processing causes-

Answer 2

Possible exposure cause:
1.) X-ray beam energy level is producing too much radiation and overexposing the film (mA or kVp is too high)

Possible processing cause:

1. ) Processing temp or developer is too high
2. ) Development time is too long in manual processing
3. ) The speed of film transport system may be too slow in automated processing system
4. ) Developer solution is contaminated with fixer

Question 3

Problem: Image is blurred, image lacks sharpness

-2 possible causes-

Answer 3

1. ) Motion during exposure (PT. moved)

2. ) The X-ray head tube moved

Question 4

Problem: Radiograph is fogged, restorations appear gray

-4 possible causes-

Answer 4

1. ) Secondary exposure from a worn or cracked safelight or filter, other radiation sources or exposure to light
2. ) Use of outdated film
3. ) Improper film storage conditions
4. ) Faulty processing

Question 5

Problem: Image is totally or partially missing

-4 possible causes-

Answer 5

1. ) Partial immersion in developer
2. ) Separation of emulsion from film base
3. ) Contact with other films during processing
4. ) Premature or prolonged contact with processing soltuions

Question 6

Problem: Portion of radiograph is unexposed

-1 possible cause-

Answer 6

1.)Portion of film packet partially outside of exposure area

Question 7

Problem: White marks on the final radiograph

-3 possible causes-

Answer 7

1. ) Air bubbles
2. ) Contact with dry or liquid fixer
3. ) Pre-expose bending, kinking, or crimping of intraoral film packet

Question 8

Problem: Dark marks on the final radiograph

-2 possible causes, and one bonus-

Answer 8

1.) Dirty rollers in process
2.) Post exposure kinking or crimping of film packet
Bonus: Voldemort and his crew showed up

Question 9

Problem: Black or white fingerprint marks on inal radiograph

-3 possible causes-

Answer 9

1. ) Developer solution on fingertips will produce black markings
2. ) Some fluorides, notable stannous fluoride, will produce black artifact on a radiograph if it has contact with exposed but unprocessed film
3. ) White fingerprint marks can be causes by fixer solution or oily substances on the fingertips that prevent emulsion from developing

Question 10

Problem: Tree-like markings on radiograph, black smudges on radiograph

-3 possible causes-

Answer 10

1. ) Static electricity on film are frequently cause by low humidity or static producing objects
2. ) Some synthetic materials used in uniforms can also be a source of static
3. ) Static electricity can cause localized overexposure. Protective latex gloves are one source of static electricity that produces a black smudge like image

Question 11

Problem: Overlapping images

-1 cause-

Answer 11

1.) Two exposures were captured on the same film packet

Question 12

Problem: Underexposed radiograph with a special or continuous pattern

-1 cause-

Answer 12

1.) Film packet was positioned backwards and exposed through the back side of the packet

Question 13

The occlusal plane will appear diagonal on a radiograph when there is ________ ________ ________?

Answer 13

Incorrect film placement

Question 14

Problem: Distortion

Correction:

Answer 14

Switch from the bisecting angle to a parallel angle for intraoral images as this increases clarity and reduces distortion.

Question 15

Problem: Contact surface overlap

Correction:

Answer 15

Correct horizontal angulation or film holder placement, Correction should be made if the overlap includes greater than 50% of the enamel width.

Question 16

Problem: Shortened images:

Correction:

Answer 16

Result from excessive vertical angulation. Decrease angulation by 10 degrees or more.

Question 17

Problem: Lengthened images:

Correction:

Answer 17

Results from insufficient insufficient vertical angulation. Increase angulation by 10 degrees or more.

Question 18

Problem: Off-Centering of occlusal plane with bitewings:

Correction:

Answer 18

Correct placement of film by centering tab and first seating distal part before moving medially.

Question 19

Problem: Crowns of anterior teeth missing

Correction:

Answer 19

Results from excessive vertical angulation for bisecting angle or incorrect film position for parallel angle. For bisecting, decrease PID angulation. For parallel, reposition film holder.

Question 20

Problem: Apices missing

Correction:

Answer 20

Increase vertical angulation. Switching from bisecting to parallel view may alleviate problem.

Question 21

Problem: Cone cutting

Correction:

Answer 21

Results from incomplete coverage of the film by the PID. Redirect PID.