Processing Radiographs Dental Assistant Registration Course Click the play (arrow) button to advance to the next slide.

Common Errors- Distortion Caused by the bending or curving of film along the palate or mandible.

Common Errors- Elongation Caused by a vertical angulation error. Occurs most commonly with the bisecting technique

Common Errors- Overlapping Caused by incorrect horizontal angulation

Common Errors- Cone Cutting The x-ray beam missed part of the film.

Common Errors- Double Exposure A film that is exposed twice.

Common Errors - Overexposed Film Film has a dark image.

Common Errors - Backward Film Images will appear light and a herringbone pattern will appear on the film.

Processing Errors Light film – underprocessed; developing time too short or developer temperature too low. Dark film – overprocessed; developing time too long or developer temperature too high or too strong. Fogged film – detail is lost, contrast is lessened. Caused by improper storage, outdated film, or light leaks. Partial image – solution levels in processing tank too low causing film to only be partially immerged. Film artifacts – spots or marks on the film from improper handling of the film and uncleanliness of the work area.

Processing Errors Torn or scratched film – rough handling of film. Air bubbles – due to failure to agitate the film when placed in the developed and fixer solutions. Reticulation – exposure of film to high temperatures and then low temperatures; causes film to have tiny cracks. Streaks – unclean rollers.

Processing Quality Radiographs The darkroom where processing of the radiographs takes place, must be well ventilated and must omit all white light. Manual processing tanks are made of stainless steel. There is one large tank for a water bath and two large insert tanks. The tank cover must be kept on at all times. The developer is normally on the left and the fixer is normally on the right. A thermometer, timer, racks, stirring rods, dryer, brushes, and sponges are all necessary equipment to have on hand.

Processing Quality Radiographs The solutions must be prepared in the proper concentrations and placed in the proper tanks. The solutions are stirred and the temperature is checked. The x-rays are carefully unwrapped and placed on the racks then placed in the developer solution. After enough time has passed the x-rays are removed from the developer, rinsed, and then placed in the fixer tank. After enough time has passed the x-rays are removed from the fixer and bathed in water and hung to dry.

Automatic Processors Automatic processors are used in most dental offices. They reduce processing time. The film undergoes the same basic steps as the manual processing but moves from one area to the next automatically. Care must be taken to maintain the equipment.

Quality Assurance A quality assurance program refers to routine procedures that have been developed to ensure the highest quality and minimal risk to the patients in radiation exposure. Keep a log of daily, monthly, and yearly procedures used to maintain quality radiographs. If the faster films are used, then the red filter is correct Coin test – place a coin on unwrapped, unexposed x-ray film under the safelight for 2-3 minutes; then process the film. If the outline of the coin is evident on the film, then the safelight illumination is inadequate or a white light leak is possible. The x-ray machine will have manufacturer’s suggested tests and equipment.

References Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, Phinney, D.J., Halstead, J.H. (3rd. Ed.) Thomson /Delmar Learning,2008 Dental Radiography: Principles & Techniques, 3rd Ed; Iannucci & Howerton, Elsevier, St. Louis, 2006