What can indicate improper fixation of dental radiographic film?

A brownish discoloration on dental radiographic film is a clear indicator of improper fixation. During the film development process, fixation is essential as it removes unexposed silver halide crystals from the emulsion and stabilizes the image. If fixation is inadequate, residual undeveloped silver halides can oxidize and lead to brownish discoloration over time. This change not only affects the quality of the image but can also compromise its archival properties, making it less reliable for diagnostic purposes.

In contrast, a clear image typically indicates proper development, as does a blue tint which often stems from the type of film and processing chemicals used. A faded appearance may suggest underdevelopment or issues with the developer solution, but it does not specifically correlate with the fixation process like brownish discoloration does. Thus, the appearance of a brownish discoloration reveals a fundamental problem in the fixation stage of processing the radiographic film, making it the correct answer.