What is the purpose of fixing dental film?

Fixing dental film serves the critical function of removing the unaffected silver salts that were not exposed to radiation during the initial imaging process. This step is integral for ensuring that the final image is clear and of high quality.

When film is exposed to radiation, it undergoes a chemical change where the exposed silver halide crystals develop into a visible image, while the unexposed crystals remain intact. The fixing process stops this chemical reaction and washes away the unexposed silver halides, preventing any unwanted exposure that could lead to a foggy or unclear image. Moreover, proper fixing prolongs the life of the film by preventing degradation and ensures that the image remains stable over time.

Enhancing image quality and preventing film fogging are influenced by other steps in the processing. Reducing exposure time pertains more to the efficiency of the imaging equipment rather than the fixing process itself.