This document discusses common causes and remedies for faulty radiographs. It identifies projection errors, exposure and processing errors, automatic processing errors, and miscellaneous technique errors as broad categories of causes. It then provides specific examples of common errors like apical ends cut off, lighter or darker films, cone cuts, blurring, distortions, overlapped images, magnification errors, and artifacts. For each error, it describes the likely reason and provides recommendations for rectification. The document serves as a guide for identifying and addressing issues that can arise during the x-ray taking and processing stages.

1. DEPARTMENT OF :-
ORAL MEDICINE AND
RADIOLOGY
KALKA DENTAL COLLEGE

2. SUBMITTED BY:-
Dr. NIKESH ROSHAN

3. Causes of FAULTY RADIOGRAPHS can be
broadly classified into:-
• PROJECTION ERRORS
• EXPOSURE AND PROCESSING ERRORS
• AUTOMATIC PROCESSING ERRORS
• MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUE ERRORS

4.  Apical ends of the teeth cut off
REASON :- Film is placed too close to the teeth in the
maxillary arch when using paralleling technique.
RECTIFICATION :- Place the film away from the teeth.
Lighter Radiographs (Underexposed/ Underdeveloped
Radiographs)
REASON :- Radiograph with low density.
Radiograph exposed for less than optimum time or with less
than optimum kVp.
RECTIFICATION :- Developing time should be increased

5. Darker Film (Overexposed/ Overdeveloped/ High Density
Radiology)
REASON :- Radiograph with high density.
Radiograph exposed for more than optimum time or with
more than optimum kVp.
RECTIFICATION :- Developing time should be decreased
Cone-cut/ Partial Image
REASON :- Improper alignment of the tube, the object
and the film.
RECTIFICATION :- X-ray tube should be aligned properly
with the object and the film.

6. Blurring
REASON :- Movement of the film, the patient or the X-ray tube during exposure
RECTIFICATION :- Patient should be instructed not to do any movement either of
the film or of himself during the radiograph.
Ensure the stability of the X-ray tube.
 Image Shape Distortion
REASON :- Excessive pressure is applied over the film.
RECTIFICATION :- Film should be supported very gently.

7. Tyre Track Appearance / Herring Bone Effect
REASON :- Reverse film position.
RECTIFICATION :- Always ensure that convexity of embossed dot
should face the X-ray tube.
Overlapped Image
REASON :- Incorrect horizontal angulation of the cone.
RECTIFICATION :- Central rays of the X-ray beam should be directed
perpendicular to the facial surface of the teeth.

8.  Crowns of teeth not showing
REASON :- Not enough film showing below or above
the crowns of teeth.
RECTIFICATION :- Approximately 1/8th of the film should
extend below or above the crown.
REASON :- Decreased vertical angulation causing elongation.
RECTIFICATION :- Increased vertical angulation.
 Magnification
REASON :- Film to object distance increased.
RECTIFICATION :- Use the recommended film to the object
distance.
REASON :- A cone pointed cone is used which produces a
divergent beam.
RECTIFICATION :- Use open ended lead lined cones.

9.  Black Lines on the radiograph
REASON :- Bending of the film prior to it’s placement
inside the patient’s mouth.
RECTIFICATION :- Avoid bending of the film.
 Doubled Images on the radiograph
REASON :- Film exposed twice to radiation.
RECTIFICATION :- Place exposed film in separate labeled
compartments.

10. Random artifacts on film
REASON :- Contaminants (paper, dust, etc.) will prevent
the X-ray from reaching the film
RECTIFICATION :- Check and clean screens inside the
cassettes for contaminants.
Radiopaque artifacts on the radiographs
REASON :- Dental appliance in the mouth, presence of
foreign bodies in and around the area of radiographed.
RECTIFICATION :- Instruct the patient to remove all the removable
dental appliances and any other foreign bodies like
eye glasses, nose ring, ear ring etc.

11.  Black Dot in the apical area.
REASON :- Identifying mark on the film placed
towards the apical area of the teeth.
RECTIFICATION :- Placed the raised dot on the film
towards the occlusal surface or
the incisal surface of the teeth.
 Adumbration (Cervical burn out)
REASON :- Horizontal angle of the
beam is not directed
through the contact area of
the teeth.
RECTIFICATION :- This is relative
radiolucency that may
be mistaken for cervical
caries or root caries.

12.  High Contrast
REASON :- Insufficient penetration
RECTIFICATION :- Increase kilo voltage.
REASON :- Over development
RECTIFICATION :- Use temp. method with a
darkroom timer, lower temp.
to 70˚ F
 Light Contrast
REASON :- Excessive penetration
RECTIFICATION :- Decreased kilo voltage
REASON :- Under development
RECTIFICATION :- Set darkroom timer correct,
rise temp. to 70˚ F
REASON :- Scattered radiation
RECTIFICATION :- Check diaphragm size and use
suitable cone.

13.  Reticulation ( Orange Peel Appearance)
REASON :- Sudden extreme temp. Changes during processing
RECTIFICATION :- Maintain uniform processing temp.
REASON :- Weakened fixer solution
RECTIFICATION :- Replenish or replace fixer solution
 Air Bells
REASON :- Air bubbles trapped on the film surfaces preventing
uniform reduction of the emulsion
RECTIFICATION :- Agitate film upon immersions into developer

14.  White Spots and Lines on Film
REASON :- Grit or dust present on the film or upon
the screens
RECTIFICATION :- Keep darkroom clean to prevent
dust and dirt particles from settling on films
Periodically clean the screens with commercial
screen cleanser
REASON :- Emulsion tear from rough handling of films in processing
tanks
RECTIFICATION :- Do not rub films up against the sides of tanks or
other film hangers
REASON :- Film contamination with the fixer before processing
RECTIFICATION :- Keep the dark room clean and dry
REASON :- Excessive bending of films
REASON :- Cracks in the intensifying screens
REASON :- Finger contamination, where the contaminant is the fixer
REASON :- Films handled roughly while being mounted in the hanger

15. Artifacts on processing
1. Black Crescents
REASON :- Rough handling of films
RECTIFICATION :- Handle films by edges only
2. Black smudge marks
REASON :- Finger prints or finger abrasions
RECTIFICATION :- Have dry fingers while handling film
3. Black lines
REASON :- Static electricity (naked tree, lightening marks).
These are caused by electric discharges that produce
no visible light, but occurs on the surface of emulsion.
- Rapid movement in removing film from the box.
- Film is removed rapidly from the interleaving.
- Paper.
- Film is touched by the fingers of the person.
- Processing the film.

16.  Yellow or Brown stains on film
REASON :- Exhausted or oxidized or contaminated
developer or prolonged development.
RECTIFICATION :- Use fresh developing solution and
use recommended developing time.
REASON :- Insufficient rinsing.
RECTIFICATION :- Rinse films for 15-20 sec. in fresh
running water
 Vertical white line on panoramic radiograph
REASON :- The push button on the exposure switch is
accidently released and then pressed down for
the reminder of the excursion, a blank space on
the panoramic radiograph will result, as the radiation
to film is cut off.
RECTIFICATION :- Keep the exposure button properly pressed
till the entire exposure cycle is through.

17. Clear film ( Film not exposed)
REASON :- Failure to switch on the X-ray machine,
electrical failure, malfunction of machine
RECTIFICATION :- Ensure that the X-ray machine in
working properly.
REASON :- Exposed film is first put in the fixing solution
RECTIFICATION :- The position of the tank containing the
solutions should be fixed, as per the
requirement of the darkroom.
Black film
REASON :- Film exposed to light.
RECTIFICATION :- Handling of the exposed or unexposed
film should be done carefully

18.  Frilling
REASON :- Hot processing solution
RECTIFICATION :- Maintain proper processing temp. (70˚ F)
 Emulsion Peel
REASON :- Abrasion of image during processing or
excessive time in water bath.
 Grainy Appearance
REASON :- Developer solution too warm

19. Improper drying
REASON :- If a drop of water remains on the film and
the film dries with that, it produces the stains
on the film.
RECTIFICATION :- Should be dried well in the specially
designed X-ray dryer.
Streaking (Uneven density)
REASON :- Developer and fixer replenishment low,
unclean rinsing water.
REASON :- Rollers and crossovers encrusted with
chemical deposits.
REASON :- Improper chemicals and/or films used.
REASON :- Films not hardened properly by chemicals.

20.  Increased film density ( overall dark film )
REASON :- Developer temp. too high
RECTIFICATION :- Check that the water is not turned off.
Check temp. of the incoming water supply
and adjust between 75˚ - 80˚ F.
Decrease the heat in the developing solution.
REASON :- Light leaks in processor cover
REASON :- too much replenisher
 Decreased film density ( overall light film )
REASON :- Low developer temp. , exhausted or contaminated
developer , no agitation in developer tank.
RECTIFICATION :- Drain and thoroughly clean tank, install new
developer. Be sure that the agitator paddle
drive belt is in the proper position in the pulley.
REASON :- Processing too fast.

21.  White cloudy appearance over film surface
REASON :- No water in water tank.
RECTIFICATION :- Check incoming controls and lines.
 Drying pattern on film surface
REASON :- Dryer too hot.
RECTIFICATION :- Reduce dryer temp.
REASON :- Characteristic of film.
RECTIFICATION :- Process film of the same box through
other processor and chemicals to determine
consistency of pattern
 Broad horizontal white line
REASON :- Irregularities on the surface of the rollers.

22.  Pressure marks
REASON :- Foreign material or rough spot on roller
RECTIFICATION :- Clean rollers and/ or remove rough area on roller
REASON :- Rough handling or excessive hand pressure on film before processing.
RECTIFICATION :- Film emulsions are extremely sensitive, after exposure and before
the processing.
Good habits in gentle handling of film must be practiced

23.  Phalangioma (Patient’s Finger on the Film)
REASON :- The patient’s finger was incorrectly positioned in front of the film instead of
behind the film.
RECTIFICATION :- Patient should advised to put the finger behind the film.

24.  FERRYR. KARJODKAR
(FIRSTEDITION)
 ANILGOVINDRAOGHOM
(FIRSTEDITION)
 STUARTC. WHITE• MICHAELJ. PHAROAH
( FIRSTSOUTHASIAEDITION)