Dental Film Process Video Notes

Question 1

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Question 2

What is the purpose of processing dental radiography film?

Answer 2

To transform the latent image on a film into a visible image.

Question 3

What is an automatic processor?

Answer 3

A machine that processes dental x-ray film using chemical solutions.

Question 4

What are the two main chemicals used in processing dental film?

Answer 4

• Developer
• Fixer

Question 5

What color top does the developer usually have?

Answer 5

Black

Question 6

What color top does the fixer usually have?

Answer 6

Red

Question 7

What is the function of the automatic replenishing system in an automatic processor?

Answer 7

To automatically sense and replenish the levels of liquid chemicals.

Question 8

What is a silver recovery cartridge used for?

Answer 8

To filter fixer material before disposal.

Question 9

Where must the automatic processor be located if there is no daylight loader?

Answer 9

In a darkroom.

Question 10

What is the function of the developer rack in an automatic processor?

Answer 10

To hold the developer solution for film processing.

Question 11

What is the temperature range for water used in rinsing the film?

Answer 11

80 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Question 12

What are the four chemical agents found in the developer solution?

Answer 12

• Developing agent (hydroquinone and elon)
• Preservative (sodium sulfite)
• Activator (sodium carbonate)
• Restrainer (potassium bromide)

Question 13

What does the restrainer do in the developer solution?

Answer 13

Helps to restrain the action of developing agents to prevent film fog.

Question 14

What does the fixer solution remove from the film?

Answer 14

Undeveloped silver halide crystals.

Question 15

What is the function of the hardening agent in the fixer solution?

Answer 15

To harden the gelatin emulsion.

Question 16

What should the appearance of the fixer solution be?

Answer 16

Clear, like water.

Question 17

What is the first step in preparing the processor?

Answer 17

Turn on the water source for the automatic processor.

Question 18

What is a clean film used for in the preparation process?

Answer 18

To check for cleanliness and clarity of the processor’s racks.

Question 19

What is a step wedge used for?

Answer 19

To create a control film for assessing contrast and density.

Question 20

What should be done if residue is found on the clean film after processing?

Answer 20

Run additional sheets through or clean the racks.

Question 21

What is the recommended way to insert film into the processor?

Answer 21

Hold it and feel it engage into the roller.

Question 22

What happens when a film is inserted into the roller area of the processor?

Answer 22

The processor automatically starts up.

Question 23

What is the recommended spacing for inserting multiple films into the processor?

Answer 23

Skip a lane between films.

Question 24

True or False: The developer solution should be dark brown in color.

Answer 24

False

Question 25

What is the role of water in the film processing?

Answer 25

To wash off trace chemicals from the developer and fixer.

Question 26

What should be done when placing films in a processor to avoid them sticking together?

Answer 26

Skip a lane while placing films to ensure they don't lie on one another. ## Footnote This prevents undiagnostic quality films due to sticking.

Question 27

How long does it take for film to go through the processing racks?

Answer 27

About four and a half to five minutes. ## Footnote This is the duration for films to be processed in an automatic processor.

Question 28

What is a common cause of smudging on processed films?

Answer 28

Touching the film with fingers, gloved or ungloved. ## Footnote This can lead to smudging which affects image quality.

Question 29

What is the appearance of a film affected by static electricity?

Answer 29

Veiny or lightning-like patterns. ## Footnote This can occur if the film is quickly removed from its packet.

Question 30

What happens if a radiograph is exposed to light before processing?

Answer 30

The film will turn black with little to no visible details. ## Footnote This is due to overexposure to light.

Question 31

What can cause partially developed films?

Answer 31

Insufficient developer or fixer solutions. ## Footnote This can also occur if multiple films are stuck together.

Question 32

What error results from bending the film?

Answer 32

Black lines appear on the film. ## Footnote This can be a result of creasing the film for comfort during placement.

Question 33

What is a reverse film error?

Answer 33

The back of the film packet is placed toward the PID, showing a herringbone pattern. ## Footnote This occurs due to incorrect film placement.

Question 34

What does a clear film indicate after processing?

Answer 34

It was not exposed to radiation. ## Footnote Sometimes it may have a slight blue or green hue.

Question 35

What are key factors to avoid processing errors?

Answer 35

* Proper water temperatures * Fresh solutions * Sufficient solution in processing equipment * Running cleaning sheets * Careful film placement * Proper timing of film placement ## Footnote These practices help maintain film quality.

Question 36

What should be checked for automatic processor maintenance?

Answer 36

* Water functionality * Daylight loader attachment * Proper functioning of the replenishing system ## Footnote Regular checks prevent processing errors.

Question 37

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when cleaning film processing equipment?

Answer 37

* Utility gloves * Mask * Eyewear ## Footnote This protects against chemical exposure.

Question 38

What is required for manual film processing?

Answer 38

A darkroom with tanks for developing, fixing, and washing solutions. ## Footnote Manual processing requires careful handling in a light-free environment.

Question 39

How long should film typically stay in the developer solution during manual processing?

Answer 39

About five minutes. ## Footnote This duration ensures proper chemical reaction for development.

Question 40

What is rapid film processing?

Answer 40

It involves using small jars of developing and fixing solutions for quick film development. ## Footnote This method allows for fast processing of individual films.

Question 41

What should be done regularly for automatic processor maintenance?

Answer 41

Clean the racks and keep a maintenance log. ## Footnote This ensures everyone in the office is aware of the maintenance status.

Question 42

True or False: Digital methods are preferred over traditional film processing in dental offices.

Answer 42

True. ## Footnote Current methods favor digital imaging for efficiency and quality.