Occurs when there is insufficient vertical angulation of the tubehead (too flat). To correct, increase the vertical angulation of the tubehead.

Occurs when there is too much vertical angulation of the tubehead (too steep). To correct, decrease the vertical angulation of the tubehead.

Occurs when horizontal angulation is incorrect. Correct by directing the central ray through the contacts of the teeth

Film placed in film holder backwards, resulting in a herringbone appearance on the film. Correct by making sure film is placed correctly with the white always facing the PID.

The PID did not cover the entire film. To correct, be sure PID is placed correctly and centered over film.

The exposure button was not activated, the machine malfunctioned, or films were inadvertently mixed up while exposing radiographs. To correct, be sure button is activated and machine is functioning properly. Keep track of all films taken and do not mix unexposed films with exposed films.

Timer, kVp or milliamperage was not set correctly.  Verify that settings are correct before exposure.

The patient bent the film upon closing. To correct, use film holding devices or cotton rolls to avoid bending and place the bite block next to the teeth before having patient close.

: The same film was exposed twice.  To prevent, make sure exposed films are placed in a separate location (a baggie, for example)

The film emulsion was cracked when the operator tried to soften the film corners by bending them.  To avoid, gently round the corners rather than bending sharply.

The patient or the tubehead moved during exposure.  To correct, stabilize patient and tubehead before exposure.

The film was placed in the wrong position or patient does not keep biting down on block. Instruct patient to hold the film in place and place the film parallel to the occlusal surfaces by making sure the a line from the tragus of the ear to the ala of the nose is parallel to the floor.

Elongation occurred, the film was not placed correctly, or the patient did not bite down all the way. To correct, increase angulation or place film so that apices will be included.

Caused by inadequate development time, developer solution is too cool or depleted, or inaccurate timer. To correct, be sure processor is in working order and solutions are replenished on a regular basis

Caused by excessive developer time, developer solution too hot, inaccurate timer/thermometer, or concentrated solution. To correct, change solutions on a regular basis, check developer for proper settings.

Films were fed too quickly into processor.  To correct, allow time before insertion of films into the processor.

Causes can be exhausted developer or fixer solutions, insufficient fixation time, or insufficient rinsing or washing time. To correct, replace solutions on a regular basis. Make sure films are rinsed and washed adequately. This is common when films are ran at a faster speed such as with endodontics.

Caused by improper handling of film during processing. To correct, handle films by the edges only.

Caused by improper handling of film during processing. To correct, handle films by the edges only.

Black lines caused by the creation of static electricity when film packets are opened too quickly. To correct, open film packets slowly.

May be caused improper safe lighting, scatter radiation, light leaks, old film, improper storage, or contaminated solutions. To correct, check filter and safelight distance (a minimum of 4 ft) Check for light leaks. Be sure film is not expired and is stored properly. Be sure solutions are not contaminated, out of date, and that the processor has been cleaned and changed at regular intervals.

An artifact on the radiograph from earrings, jewerly, or metal caused by xray beam penetrating the object twice; appears radiopaque.