Artifacts
Images other than anatomy or pathology that do not contribute to a diagnosis of the patient's condition.
Conecut error
A term used to describe a technique error in which the central beam is not directed toward the center of the image receptor, resulting in a blank area in that part of the radiograph that was not reached by the radiation.
Dead pixel
Term given to a damaged pixel that does not respond to x-radiation exposure. A dead pixel will not record radiographic information.
Distomesial overlap
When the projection angle of the x-ray beam is directed from distal to mesial, resulting in overlapping error.
Double exposure
Using the same image receptor to expose two radiographs. Results in an overexposed, double-image error.
Electronic Noise
The digital equivalent to film fog. An electrical disturbance that clutters the digital image reducing image clarity and contrast.
Elongation
Refers to a distortion of the radiographic image in which the tooth structures appear longer than the anatomical size. Often caused by insufficient vertical angulation of the central beam.
Film fog
An overall darkening of the radiograph caused by old or contaminated processing solutions, exposure to chemical fumes, faulty safelight, or scatter radiation.
Foreshortening
Distortion of the radiographic image in which the tooth structures appear shorter than their actual anatomical size. Most often caused by excessive vertical angulation of the central beam
Herringbone error
Image produced on a radiograph when the film packet is placed in the mouth backwards. The embossed pattern in the lead foil produces this image when the x-ray beam passes through the reversed film packet.
Mesiodistal overlap
When the projection angle of the x-ray beam is directed from mesial to distal resulting in overlapping error.
Overdevelopment
Leaving the film in the developer solution too long or using developer that is too warm. Overdevelopment results in a dark image.
Overexposure
Exposing the image receptor too long or subjecting the image receptor to an inappropriately increased kVp or mA setting. Overexposure results in a dark image.
Overlapping
Term used to refer to a distortion of the tooth image in which the structures of one tooth are superimposed over the structures of the adjacent tooth. Caused by incorrect horizontal angulation of the central beam and/or incorrect positioning of the image
Static electricity
A white-light spark that creates a radiolucent artifact on the film.
Underdevelopment
Not leaving the film in the developer solution long enough or using developer that is too cool or an old, weak solution. Underdevelopment results in a light image.
Underexposure
Not exposing the image receptor long enough or using an inappropriately decreased kVp or mA setting. Underexposure results in a light image.