What is the cause of air bubbles on the film surface?

Air bubbles on the film surface are primarily caused by air being trapped during the processing stages. When film is submerged in the developing solution, it’s important to ensure that air is not trapped between the film and the processing equipment, such as the developing tank or tray. If air becomes trapped, it will create bubbles on the film, leading to defects in the final image.

Trapped air can occur during manual processing or when using automatic processors if the film is not agitated properly. This is particularly crucial during the developing and rinsing phases. Proper handling and agitation techniques can help prevent air bubbles from forming and ensure a smooth, even processing of the film.

Understanding this cause is vital for those in dental assisting, as it relates directly to the quality of radiographs that are crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. Issues like incorrect developer temperature, old fixer solutions, or overexposure to light affect the overall quality of the radiograph but do not specifically create air bubbles during the processing of the film.