What is one of the primary risks associated with underexposed radiographs?

Inadequate contrast in underexposed radiographs occurs when the exposure settings do not allow enough X-ray to penetrate the dental tissues properly. This results in images that lack the necessary differentiation between various structures, making it difficult to identify pathologies, assess dental health, and view the details of the teeth and surrounding areas clearly. Adequate contrast is essential for interpretation in radiography, as it permits the visualization of nuances in the anatomy, ensuring that any abnormalities can be detected and assessed accurately.

In contrast, blurriness typically results from motion or improper handling of the film, while excessive detail is more associated with correct exposure or overexposing the film than with underexposing it. Overexposure to radiation does not stem from inadequate exposure but rather from settings that are too high for the imaging needs.