Dental Film Process Video Notes Flashcards
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What is the purpose of processing dental radiography film?
To transform the latent image on a film into a visible image.
What is an automatic processor?
A machine that processes dental x-ray film using chemical solutions.
What are the two main chemicals used in processing dental film?
- Developer
- Fixer
What color top does the developer usually have?
Black
What color top does the fixer usually have?
Red
What is the function of the automatic replenishing system in an automatic processor?
To automatically sense and replenish the levels of liquid chemicals.
What is a silver recovery cartridge used for?
To filter fixer material before disposal.
Where must the automatic processor be located if there is no daylight loader?
In a darkroom.
What is the function of the developer rack in an automatic processor?
To hold the developer solution for film processing.
What is the temperature range for water used in rinsing the film?
80 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the four chemical agents found in the developer solution?
- Developing agent (hydroquinone and elon)
- Preservative (sodium sulfite)
- Activator (sodium carbonate)
- Restrainer (potassium bromide)
What does the restrainer do in the developer solution?
Helps to restrain the action of developing agents to prevent film fog.
What does the fixer solution remove from the film?
Undeveloped silver halide crystals.
What is the function of the hardening agent in the fixer solution?
To harden the gelatin emulsion.
What should the appearance of the fixer solution be?
Clear, like water.
What is the first step in preparing the processor?
Turn on the water source for the automatic processor.
What is a clean film used for in the preparation process?
To check for cleanliness and clarity of the processor’s racks.
What is a step wedge used for?
To create a control film for assessing contrast and density.
What should be done if residue is found on the clean film after processing?
Run additional sheets through or clean the racks.
What is the recommended way to insert film into the processor?
Hold it and feel it engage into the roller.
What happens when a film is inserted into the roller area of the processor?
The processor automatically starts up.
What is the recommended spacing for inserting multiple films into the processor?
Skip a lane between films.
True or False: The developer solution should be dark brown in color.
False
What is the role of water in the film processing?
To wash off trace chemicals from the developer and fixer.
What should be done when placing films in a processor to avoid them sticking together?
Skip a lane while placing films to ensure they don’t lie on one another.
This prevents undiagnostic quality films due to sticking.
How long does it take for film to go through the processing racks?
About four and a half to five minutes.
This is the duration for films to be processed in an automatic processor.
What is a common cause of smudging on processed films?
Touching the film with fingers, gloved or ungloved.
This can lead to smudging which affects image quality.
What is the appearance of a film affected by static electricity?
Veiny or lightning-like patterns.
This can occur if the film is quickly removed from its packet.
What happens if a radiograph is exposed to light before processing?
The film will turn black with little to no visible details.
This is due to overexposure to light.
What can cause partially developed films?
Insufficient developer or fixer solutions.
This can also occur if multiple films are stuck together.
What error results from bending the film?
Black lines appear on the film.
This can be a result of creasing the film for comfort during placement.
What is a reverse film error?
The back of the film packet is placed toward the PID, showing a herringbone pattern.
This occurs due to incorrect film placement.
What does a clear film indicate after processing?
It was not exposed to radiation.
Sometimes it may have a slight blue or green hue.
What are key factors to avoid processing errors?
- Proper water temperatures
- Fresh solutions
- Sufficient solution in processing equipment
- Running cleaning sheets
- Careful film placement
- Proper timing of film placement
These practices help maintain film quality.
What should be checked for automatic processor maintenance?
- Water functionality
- Daylight loader attachment
- Proper functioning of the replenishing system
Regular checks prevent processing errors.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when cleaning film processing equipment?
- Utility gloves
- Mask
- Eyewear
This protects against chemical exposure.
What is required for manual film processing?
A darkroom with tanks for developing, fixing, and washing solutions.
Manual processing requires careful handling in a light-free environment.
How long should film typically stay in the developer solution during manual processing?
About five minutes.
This duration ensures proper chemical reaction for development.
What is rapid film processing?
It involves using small jars of developing and fixing solutions for quick film development.
This method allows for fast processing of individual films.
What should be done regularly for automatic processor maintenance?
Clean the racks and keep a maintenance log.
This ensures everyone in the office is aware of the maintenance status.
True or False: Digital methods are preferred over traditional film processing in dental offices.
True.
Current methods favor digital imaging for efficiency and quality.
