A bitewing/periapical from an FMX shows scattered dark lines/streaks across the image. The most likely cause is:

Correct answer: A. Film-bending artifact (emulsion crazing)

• A. Correct. Bending or creasing the film/sensor produces characteristic dark crazing lines — a processing/handling artifact.
• B. A foreign body would be a discrete radiopaque/radiolucent object, not scattered streaks.
• C. The IAN canal is a single continuous radiolucent channel in the mandible, not random streaks on a maxillary premolar film.
• D. Cervical burnout is a triangular radiolucency at the cervical tooth, not linear streaks.