A periapical radiograph shows a radiolucent line artifact from a bend in the film/sensor. What is this radiolucent artifact called?

Correct answer: B. Film/sensor bending artifact

• A. INCORRECT. A cone cut (collimator shadow) is a white (radiopaque) area on the radiograph where the X-ray beam did not expose part of the film — it appears as a partial image with an unexposed area, not a radiolucent line.
• B. CORRECT. A bend artifact (film/sensor bending artifact) occurs when the periapical film or digital sensor is bent during placement in the mouth. This creates a radiolucent line across the radiograph at the bend point, which can mimic a fracture line or other pathology. Recognizing this as a positioning/technique artifact is critical to avoid misdiagnosis.
• C. INCORRECT. A double exposure creates an overlapping double image from the same film/sensor being exposed twice. It does not produce a single radiolucent line artifact.
• D. INCORRECT. Scattered radiation creates fogging and reduced image contrast but does not produce a discrete radiolucent line artifact.