Development and Applications of a Novel ‘Three in-One Smart Aqua-Time X-Ray Film Hanger’ in Dental Radiographic Film Processing

Abstract

Introduction: Intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAs) are essential diagnostic tools in dentistry. The traditional method of producing X-rays involves intraoral film placement, followed by manual processing in a darkroom using a developer, water, fixer, and a final rinse before drying. Common errors like underdevelopment, overdevelopment, underfixing, and overfixing, often due to improper immersion or timing, result in sub-optimal image quality. To mitigate these issues, a ‘Three-in-One Smart Aqua-Time X-Ray Film Hanger’ was designed. This device aims to standardise the processing procedure, reducing variability and ensuring consistent, high-quality radiographs.
Materials and Methodology: The materials used in developing this device were an X-ray hanger, a magnetic float sensor, and a setup box, including the battery setup. This device employs a Wi-Fi controller timer for precise processing times and a magnetic float to ensure complete film immersion. The system has audible alerts (an alarm) that notify the user when the processing time is nearing completion. This ensures precise development and avoids over- or underdevelopment of the X-ray film. A total of 20 films (10 IOPA and 10 occlusal radiographs) were processed using the smart X-ray hanger.
Results: All 20 films were well-developed, producing quality radiographs. The smart hanger reduced processing errors and faulty radiographs by 100%. The major processing errors, namely, over-/ underdeveloping, over-/ underfixing and improper immersion, were completely averted by the smart X-ray hanger. All the films were evenly developed and fixed with no inconsistencies.
Conclusion: The Smart Aqua-Time X-Ray Film Hanger is a significant innovation in traditional film processing, serving as an indispensable tool for achieving precise and reliable immersion and timing measurements. Its consistent performance contributes to a standardised processing protocol, minimising variability and ensuring uniform results across all films. By utilising this device, dental professionals can significantly reduce X-ray film wastage and consistently produce high-quality radiographs, facilitating accurate diagnoses for all dental diseases.

How to cite this article:
Varsa M S, Samyuktha K G, G Jeevitha, G
Anuradha. Development and Applications of a
Novel ‘Three-in-One Smart Aqua-Time X-Ray Film
Hanger’ in Dental Radiographic Film Processing.
Chettinad Health City Med J. 2025;14(3):19=24.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202534