What issue can air bubbles cause when developing dental films?

Air bubbles can create significant issues during the developing process of dental films, primarily by preventing the developer from reaching the emulsion beneath. When air bubbles are trapped against the surface of the film, they act as barriers that inhibit the developer solution from adequately contacting the film's emulsion layer. This can lead to uneven or incomplete development of the film, resulting in areas that are underdeveloped or not developed at all.

This phenomenon can compromise the quality of the image produced, as critical details may be lost or obscured in the undeveloped sections. Thus, ensuring that air bubbles are minimized or eliminated is essential for achieving high-quality dental radiographs, as uniform contact with the developer is crucial for proper film processing.