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Radiographic Errors in Dental Imaging

The document discusses common radiographic errors in dental imaging, detailing their causes and potential solutions. It covers processing errors, exposure issues, and technical mistakes in periapical and bite wing techniques, emphasizing the importance of correct film handling and positioning. The tutorial aims to educate readers on identifying and correcting these errors to ensure diagnostic-quality radiographs.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
6 views31 pages

Radiographic Errors in Dental Imaging

The document discusses common radiographic errors in dental imaging, detailing their causes and potential solutions. It covers processing errors, exposure issues, and technical mistakes in periapical and bite wing techniques, emphasizing the importance of correct film handling and positioning. The tutorial aims to educate readers on identifying and correcting these errors to ensure diagnostic-quality radiographs.

Translated by

ScribdTranslations
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING TUTORING I

GROUP#5

RADIOGRAPHIC ERRORS

Student :

Loza Ochoa Ashley Janice


INDEX
Introductionn ................................................................................................................................. 4
Errors in the processing.................................................................................................... 5
1.1. Time and temperature.
Underdeveloped moviea ................................................................................................... 5
Overdeveloped movie................................................................................................ 5
Emulsion reticulation.............................................................................................. 5
1.2. Contaminación chemicala ................................................................. 5
Points of the revealing liquid............................................................................................. 5
Points of the fixed liquidr ................................................................................................... 5
Yellowish/brownish spots............................................................................................. 6
1.3. Management of the moviea ..................................................................................................... 6
Cut with developing liquid................................................................................................ 6
Cut by liquid fixer..................................................................................................... 6
Overlapping movies...................................................................................................... 6
Air bubbles.................................................................................................................. 6
Digital fingerprints.................................................................................................................. 6

Torn moviea ................................................................. 7


1.4. Lighting....................................................................................................................... 7
Light filtration................................................................................................................... 7
Fogged film............................................................................................................. 7
2. Errors of the exhibition and of the technique......................................................................... 7
2.1 Receiver errors in the exhibitionn.......................................................................... 7
Problems in the exhibitionn .................................................................................................. 7
Unexposed receptor........................................................................................................ 7
Film exposed to light.................................................................................................. 8
Problems in the exposure and time factor....................................................... 8
Overexposed receptor................................................................................................... 8
Subexposed receptor....................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Errors in the periapical techniquel .................................................................................... 8
Problems in the placement of the receiver............................................................................ 8
Correct the location of the movie.................................................................................. 8
Incorrect placement of the filma................................................................................ 8
Absence of apical structures.................................................................................... 9
Corner of the abandoned movie................................................................................ 9
Problems in angulation.................................................................................................. 9

2
Incorrect vertical angle......................................................................................... 10
Trimmed images....................................................................................................... 10
Stretched images......................................................................................................... 10
Problems with the alignment device position indicator............................. 11
Alignment problemsn ................................................................................................. 11
Cone cutter with beam alignment device................................................... 11
Cone cut without beam alignment device................................................. 12
2.3 Errors in bite wing technique............................................................ 12
Problems with the placement of the receiver.......................................................................... 12
Bite wing technique at the molar level............................................................ 13
Incorrect placement of the receiver................................................................................ 13
Incorrect bite tab technique– premolar.................................................... 13
Incorrect biting fin technique– coolr ..................................................... 13
Problems with angulation................................................................................................ 13
Incorrect horizontal angulationa .................................................................................... 13
Incorrect vertical angulation......................................................................................... 13
Issues with the alignment of the position indicator devicen ................................ 14
Cone cutter with beam alignment device................................................... 14
2.4 Miscellaneous technical errorsa14
Double of the movie14
Wrinkle from the movie............................................................................................................ 14
Falangioma............................................................................................................................ 14
Double exposure................................................................................................................... 14
Movement............................................................................................................................ 15
Reversed movie15
3. Conclusions..................................................................................................................... 16
4. ANNEXS ............................................................................................................................ 17
5. Bibliography31

3
Introduction
In dentistry, the correct learning of taking intraoral radiographs
it is of enormous importance, since, for a dental X-ray
it must be done correctly.

Radiographic errors are very common and their causes are varied, from
the development time, even a bad exposure can be responsible
that the movie comes out with errors.

In this tutorial, we aim to inform the reader about the causes of these errors.
and its possible solutions.

4
Errors in processing
Errors in processing will result in an X-ray that is not suitable for use.
diagnosed. It is necessary for the X-ray to be performed correctly since
it is the one that provides us with more information about the dental piece. X-rays must
have an appropriate density and contrast, have a good scheme, and also show
the same shape and size as that of the radiographed object (figure 9-14).

Processing errors can cause a partial or total absence of the image.


Movies that appear very white/dark, yellow/brown or hazy
are the result of a poor processing. Likewise, those films that are
contaminated with dirt, saliva or fingerprints will result in a
defective x-ray.

1.1. Time and temperature


Underdeveloped movie
The movie will be shown very clearly (figure 9-15).
It is caused by inadequate development time or poor management.
of time.

Overdeveloped movie
The movie will appear black or 'burned' (figure 916).
It may be caused by keeping it in the developer liquid for too long; if
the developer liquid is very hot.

Emulsion reticulation
The movie will be cracked (figure 9-17).
It is caused by a sudden temperature change between the fixing liquid and the
water.

1.2. Chemical pollution


Points of the revealing liquid
The movie will have black spots (figure 9-18).
This happens when the developer liquid comes into contact with the film before
to be processed.

Fixative liquid points


The movie will have white spots (figure 9-19).

5
This occurs when the fixing liquid comes into contact with the film before being
processed.

Yellowish/brownish spots
The movie will show an abnormal color (figure 9-20). The causes are as follows:

A dirty developer/fixer liquid.


Short setting time.
The film was not washed properly.

1.3. Film handling


Cut by revealing liquid
The movie will show a white straight line along (figure 9-21).
It is the result of a low level of developing solution and represents a portion
underdeveloped of the movie.

Cut by fixing liquid


The movie will show a black border (figure 9-22).
It is the result of a low level of fixing liquid and represents a non-
fixed from the movie.

Overlapping movies
White or black areas are observed in the films where the overlap
it happened (figure 9-23).
It happens when two films come into contact with each other manually or
automatic during processing.
The films that overlap in the developing liquid show areas
white, while those overlaid in the fixing liquid present
black areas.

Air bubbles
The movie presents white spots (figure 9-25).
It occurs when air gets trapped on the surface of the film after that
is submerged in the developing liquid.

Digital footprints
Fingerprint marks are observed on the film, they are generally visible.
like black spots (figure 9-26).

6
It occurs when the film has been contaminated with fluoride or by whoever is handling it.
revealing.

Torn movie
Lines are observed throughout the film (figure 9-29).
It can happen when removing the film from the packaging during the developing time.

1.4. Lighting
Light filtering
The exposed area of the film will appear black (figure 9-30).
It occurs due to accidental exposure of the film to white light.
A defective package that exposed some part of the film before being
used.

Fogged movie
The movie looks gray and lacks detail in the image and contrast.
(figure 9-31).

It can be given for:

Light leakage in the darkroom.


A dirty film door or poor handling after development.
Expired movies.
Contaminated processing liquids.
High temperature in the fixing liquid.

2. Errors of the exhibition and the technique

2.1 Receiver errors in exposure


Exposure errors towards the receiver result in images.
impossible to diagnose, including unexposed images,
overexposed and underexposed, in addition to films that are exposed
accidentally to the light.
Problems in the exhibition
Unexposed receptor
There is no image in the movie (figure 21-1).
It occurs when the receiver was not exposed to X-rays, either due to a
electrical failure or a malfunction.

7
Film exposed to light
The image looks black (figure 20-2).
Problems with the exposure and time factor
Overexposed receptor
The image appears black or darkened in parts (figure 20-3).
It occurs when the receiver was exposed to radiation for longer than recommended.

It can be by kilovoltage, milliamperes, or a combination of both.

Subexposed receptor
The image looks clear (figure 20-4).
It occurs when the receiver was not exposed for enough time in
radiation. It can be by kilovoltage, milliamperes, or a combination
of both.

2.2 Errors in the periapical technique


Similarly, exposure errors can lead to radiographs
no diagnostics, errors in the technique can also result in
non-diagnostic images. Errors of the periapical technique include
problemas con la colocación de la película, la angulación y la alineación del
Do. The dental radiologist must be able to recognize the errors of the technique.
periapical, identify its causes and understand the necessary steps to correct it
those problems.

Problems with the placement of the receiver

Correct the movie location


The periapical image shows the entire tooth, including the apex and the structures.
surrounding (figure 20-5). For a periapical image to be considered
diagnostic, the placement of the film must be appropriate. Each film
periapical should be placed in a certain way to show the teeth that
we want to observe the anatomical structures related. Also, the
The edge of the periapical film should be placed parallel to the surfaces.
incisal or occlusal surfaces of the teeth.

Incorrect placement of the film


A non-diagnostic periapical image may be the result of an incorrect
placement of the movie about the area of interest, a poor coverage of the
apical regions or a drop in the film angle.
8
Absence of apical structures
Appearance
No apices are visible in the image. (figure 20-6)

Cause

The film placed in the patient's mouth did not cover the regions.
apical structures of the teeth. As a result, the apical structures in the
The X-ray is not visible, and there is an excessive margin at the edge of the film.
This error can occur both with the parallelism technique and with the technique
of the bisector.

Correction

To ensure that the apical structures appear on an X-ray


periapical, make sure that no more than one eighth of an inch from the edge of the
film extends beyond the incisal-occlusal surfaces of the teeth.
This placement ensures adequate coverage of the apices.

Corner of the abandoned movie


Appearance

The occlusal plane seems tilted (figure 20-7)

Cause

The edge of the film was not positioned parallel to the incisal surfaces.
occlusal surfaces of the teeth. As a result, the occlusal plane appears inclined.
about the X-ray. If the patient is not given the correct instructions for
close over the bite block to hold the film firmly
against the tooth, a corner of the film may fall.

Correction

To avoid a fallen corner of the film, make sure that the edge of the
the film is placed parallel to the incisal-occlusal surfaces of the teeth
while the patient bites the bite block.

Problems with angulation


Appearance

9
The overlapping contacts are seen in the image. (Figure 20-8).

Cause

The central beam was not directed through the interproximal spaces.
result, the proximal surfaces of the adjacent teeth appear
overlapping in the periapical image. The overlapping contacts prevent the
examination of the interproximal areas. This error occurs both with the technique of
parallelism as with the bisector technique.

Correction

To avoid overlapping contacts in a periapical image, direct the beam of


X-rays through the interproximal regions. The use of instruments of
Rinn beam alignment minimizes failures in horizontal angulation.

Incorrect vertical angulation


Incorrect vertical angulation equals a radiographic image that is not
the same length as that of the tooth; instead, the image appears longer
longer or shorter. Elongated images or in foreshortening are not diagnostic.

Cut-out images
Appearance

The teeth appear short with blunt roots in the image (Figure 20-9).

Cause

The vertical angle was excessive (too steep). As a result,


the images that are shorter than real teeth, or images in
foreshortening, is visible on the X-ray. This error occurs more often with the
bisector technique.

Correction

To avoid foreshortened images, do not use excessive vertical angulation with


the bisector technique. The use of Rinn beam alignment instruments makes
lessen the errors in vertical angulation

Stretched images
Appearance

10
The teeth appear long and distorted in the image (Figure 20-10).

Cause

The vertical angulation was very little (too flat). As a result, the
images that are longer than real teeth, or elongated images, are
as seen in the X-ray. This error occurs more with the bisector technique.

Correction

To avoid elongated images, use an appropriate vertical angle with


the technique of bisector. The use of Rinn beam alignment instruments makes
reduce the errors in vertical angulation.

Problems with the alignment device indicator of the position


Alignment problems
If the PID is not properly aligned and the X-ray beam is not centered
About the receiver, a partial image is observed in the resulting X-ray.
It is said that the PID, or "cone," "cuts" the image. A cone cut appears
like a clear area, not exposed in a dental X-ray and can occur with
a rectangular or round PID.

Cone cutting with beam alignment device


Appearance

A clear area (not exposed) is seen in the image (Figure 20-11).

Cause

The PID was not properly aligned with the beam alignment device.
periapical, and the X-ray beam does not fully expose the receptor. As
result, there is a clear and unexposed area that resembles the outline of
PID in the X-ray.

Correction

To avoid a cone cut in a periapical film when using a


beam alignment device, place the PID carefully. If used a
beam alignment device with a aiming ring, make sure that the
PID and the pointing ring are correctly aligned. If a ring is not used

11
for aiming, ensure that the X-ray beam is centered over the
movie.

Cone cut without beam alignment device


Appearance

A clear (unexposed) area is seen in the image (Figure 20-12).

Cause

The PID was not placed in the center of the receptor, and the X-ray beam did not
It exposed the entire movie. As a result, an area is seen that is clear and unexposed.

that resembles the contour of the PID in the X-ray.

Correction

To avoid a cone cut in a periapical film when not using a


beam alignment device, carefully place the PID. Make sure to
that the X-ray beam is centered on the film and that the entire film
is covered by the diameter of the PID.

2.3 Errors in the bite wing technique


Just like errors in the periapical technique, they may not have images of
diagnosis, errors in the bite wing technique can also lead to
as results images that cannot be diagnosed. The errors of
the bite wing technique includes issues with the placement of the
receptor, the angulation and alignment of the beam. The dental X-ray machine must be
able to recognize the errors of the bite wing technique, identify its
causes and know the necessary steps to correct these problems.
M. Lannucci

Problems in the placement of the receiver


Correct location of the receiver

The bite fin technique includes the crowns of the maxillary teeth and
mandibular, the interproximal contact areas and the bone.

12
Bite wing technique at the premolar level

The premolar must be positioned in such a way that the resulting image
shows both maxillary and mandibular premolars, in addition to the
distal surfaces of the canines, the receptor must be positioned in such a way
so that the front edge of the receiver is aligned with the centerline of the
mandibular canine.

Bite tab technique at the molar level


The molar must be placed so that the resulting image shows the
maxillary and mandibular molars. The molar must be centered over the
mandibular second molar and the anterior edge of the receptor must align with the
midline of the second lower premolar.

Incorrect placement of the receiver


The incorrect placement of the receiver will result in the absence of the
requested teeth or from the surface of the teeth; it will show an occlusal plane
pointed or a distorted image.

Incorrect bite wing technique – premolar


The distal surface of the canine is not visible in the image (figure 20-15).
It is caused by a position that is very far from the receiver in the mouth.

Incorrect technique of the bite wing - molar


The regions of the third molar are not visible in the image (figure 20-16).
A previous position very far back in the mouth.

Problems with angulation


To produce diagnosable X-rays, one must choose the
correct angulation.

Incorrect horizontal angulation


The overlapping teeth are visible (figure 20-17).
To correct it, it is advisable to direct the X-rays through the
interproximal regions.

Incorrect vertical angulation


The image appears distorted (figure 20-18).
To correct it, use a 10° angle to compensate for the slight
movement of the maxillary teeth.

13
Problems in alignment of the position indicator device
Cone cutting with beam alignment device
A clear area (not exposed) is observed in the image (figure 20-19, A).
It happens because the DIP was not correctly aligned with the technique, and
the x-ray did not fully expose the receptor, resulting in a
image not exposed.

2.4 Miscellaneous technique errors


Dubbing of the movie
The movie appears curved and distorted (figure 20-21).

Este error puede producirse cuando la película es curvada en exceso como


consequence of the curvature in the patient's hard palate.

Wrinkle of the movie


The film shows a thin radiolucent line (figure 20-22). This occurs.
when the film is wrinkled and therefore its emulsion breaks.

Phalangioma
It is described as a phalangiooma when the image is observed in the film.
from the patient's finger (figure 20-23). This occurs when the patient's finger
is incorrectly positioned in front of the receiver instead of behind.

This error occurs when the finger retention method is used.


with the bisector technique also known as the short cone technique, the
which is used for taking periapical X-rays.

Double exposure
A double image can be seen in the radiograph (figure 20-24). The same receptor is
exposed twice in the patient's mouth. As a result, an image is seen
double in the X-ray.

A double exposure is a serious error and requires two repetitions, one for
the two areas previously radiographed.

14
Movement
Origin: the head of the tube or the patient gestured in the meantime
exposure of the receptor. As a resolution, blurry aspects are seen on the plate.
radiographic.

Correction: to avoid fall of movement, fix the head of the tube and the
The patient's head before giving the receiver, and inform the patient to endure.
motionless. Never display a receiver when a tube head is
moving or a patient is moving. Reposition the tube head, the
patient, the receiver or the PID, as necessary, and expose the receiver.
Reversed movie
Appearance: bright images with a spine pattern can be seen in the
X-ray.

Cause: the movie was set in the back mouth (reserved) and the exposed.
The X-ray beam was attenuated by the lead support of the print.
movie bag: in the sequel, a reduced measure of the X-ray beam reflected
the movie. As a conclusion, clear images with a pattern are observed.
spike (also known as tire tracking pattern) in the
X-ray. The spindle pattern in the X-ray is a reflection of itself.
real illustrated pattern in the lead sheet.

Correction: to unbind a reversed movie, always place the white side.


from the packer next to the teeth. Always take note of the sides
front and back of the film before placing it in the patient's mouth.

15
3. Conclusions
It is important that dental X-rays are correctly
taken for a good diagnosis.
All the errors presented in this tutorial, although common, can
ser corregidos.

16
4. ANNEXES

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
5. Bibliography
Iannucci, J., & Howerton, L. (2006). Dental radiography (4th ed.). St.
Louis, Mo.: Saunders Elsevier.

31

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