Radiographic Errors and Artifacts Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Match the technique errors with their descriptions:

Pressure mark = Appearance of a black or white mark from tooth pressure during imaging Double image = Result of re-exposing an already exposed film Reversed film = Low density with a herringbone pattern due to incorrect positioning Dot artifact = Circular radiolucent marks from the embossed identification dot

Match the film placement artifacts with their corrections:

Apices cut off = Position film to record 2-3 mm beyond the occlusal plane Crown not shown = Extend film 2-3 mm beyond the occlusal plane Pressure mark = Ask the patient to bite gently Double image = Separate exposed from unexposed films

Match the errors with their potential causes:

Pressure mark = Improper patient positioning or biting too hard Dot artifact = Use of films with embossed dots Reversed film = Directing X-rays through lead foil side Double image = Re-exposing an already developed film

Match the types of errors with their effects on the radiograph:

Pressure mark = Distortion in the image quality Dot artifact = Interference with interpretation of apical areas Crown not shown = Incomplete visualization of the tooth Reversed film = Visible herringbone pattern Signup and view all the answers

Match the technique errors with their associated film outcome:

Pressure mark = Black or white marks Crown not shown = Insufficient film exposure Apices cut off = Missing tooth root details Double image = Superimposed images on film Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of error to its description:

Technique & Projection errors = Errors due to incorrect patient preparation, film placement, or projection angle Exposure errors = Errors related to incorrect exposure settings Processing errors = Errors occurring during the film developing process Radiopaque artifact = Artifacts caused by foreign objects on the patient Signup and view all the answers

Match the artifact to its cause:

Blurred image = Movement of film, patient, or X-ray tube during exposure Double image = Incorrect film placement Reversed film = Film placed in the wrong orientation Pressure mark = Pressure applied to the film or patient Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of projection error to its example:

Incorrect vertical angulation = Angling the X-ray tube too high or low Incorrect horizontal angulation = Tilting the tube side to side PID alignment artifact = Misalignment between X-ray beam and film Distortion = Incorrect positioning of patient or film Signup and view all the answers

Match the preparation error to its outcome:

Dental appliances left in mouth = Creates radiopaque artifacts Jewelry not removed = Causes artifacts in the radiograph Left eye glasses on = Appears as an overlay on the image Body piercings during exposure = Results in superimposed artifacts Signup and view all the answers

Match the error to its consequence:

Retake radiographs = Exposes patient to unnecessary radiation Film waste = Increases costs and time Interference with diagnosis = Leads to inaccurate interpretation Preparation errors = Result in compromised imaging quality Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Radiographic Errors and Artifacts

Films with errors should be avoided due to reasons that include retakes exposing patients to unnecessary radiation, wasting film and time (money), and hindering accurate interpretation and diagnosis.

Causes of Faulty Radiographs

Most errors fall into three categories: technique/projection errors, exposure errors, and processing errors.

Technique and Projection Errors

Patient preparation error:
- Radiopaque artifacts (e.g., dental appliances, body piercings) can obscure the image.
- Pressure marks can appear on the image.
Film placement artifact:
- Double image: A re-exposed film can result in two superimposed images.
- Dot artifact: A circular, radiolucent artifact.
- Crown not shown: Insufficient film coverage.
- Area of interest not shown: The film is not centered.
- Distortion: The image is bent.
- Blurred image: Motion during exposure.
- Reversed film: X-ray passed through the wrong side of the lead foil.
- Apices cut off: Insufficient film coverage.
- Dropped film corner: Film edges not parallel to occlusal surface.
- Black line: Film bending before placement.
Projection errors:
- Incorrect vertical angulation results in elongated or shortened images.
- Incorrect horizontal angulation causes overlapping interproximal surfaces.
- PID alignment artifact (cone cut): The PID (x-ray source to sensor) is not aligned correctly resulting in a partial image or a missing portion.

Exposure Errors

Blank image: The film did not receive radiation.
Film exposed to light: The film is black.
High density image: Too much exposure; image is dark overall. Possible causes include long exposure time, high kilovoltage peak (kVp), and high milliamperage (mA).
Low density image (faint image): Too little exposure; image appears faint. Possible causes include short exposure time, low kVp, low mA, increased focal film distance (FFD), and high density objects.

Processing Errors

Chemical errors:
- Light image: Insufficient processing
- Dark image: Overexposure during processing.
- Blank image: Improper processing
- Reticulation: Result of sudden temperature change between solutions.
- Black spot or patch: Developer contamination.
- Black line: Contamination of the processing hanger clips.
- White spot or patch: Contamination with fixer before processing
- Yellowish brown discoloration: Exhausted solutions or insufficient rinsing during processing.
Film Handling errors:
- Writing lines: Marking on the film packaging.
- Fingernail artifact: Marks from fingers.
- Developer cut off: Underdeveloped edge of the film.
- Fixer cut off: Underexposed edge of the film.
- Overlapped film: Overlapping of films during processing
- Smudge: The film is touched by fingers that were contaminated with developer or fixer solutions
- Scratched film: White lines on the film due to handling.
- Saliva contamination: Saliva on film packet.
- Static electricity: Thin black branching lines, a result of surface friction.
Lighting errors: Accidental exposure of the film to white light.
Fogging: Uneven cloudy appearance on the final image. Caused by light leakage or radiation leakage or chemical or storage problems.
Radiation Fogging: The film has been subjected to secondary radiation during storage or exposure.
Chemical Fogging: Exhausted or contaminated chemicals.
Fogging Due to Improper Storage: Increase in temperature or humidity over time.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the various errors and artifacts that can occur in radiographic imaging. This quiz covers the causes of faulty radiographs, including technique, exposure, and processing errors, as well as the impact of these mistakes on patient safety and diagnosis. Gain a better understanding of the importance of proper film handling and patient preparation.