What is the result of incorrect horizontal angulation during x-ray exposure?

Incorrect horizontal angulation during x-ray exposure primarily leads to overlapping of contacts in the resultant images. When the x-ray beam is not aligned correctly, it can cause the overlapping of adjacent teeth in a radiograph. This overlapping obscures important diagnostic information, making it difficult for practitioners to assess the relationship between teeth and to identify any caries, periodontal issues, or other dental conditions accurately.

When horizontal angulation is incorrect, it affects the projection of teeth on the film. Ideally, x-rays should be taken with the horizontal beam aimed parallel to the interproximals of adjacent teeth to avoid this overlapping. Proper technique ensures that each tooth is imaged separately, without superimposing adjacent structures, which is crucial for accurate diagnostics.

The choices regarding distortion of the image, overexposure, and underexposure of the film address aspects related to incorrect technical settings or positioning, but they do not directly relate to the specific issue of horizontal angulation. These errors would lead to different types of imaging artifacts or exposure problems rather than the specific overlap of teeth seen with improper horizontal angulation.