What is a common cause of a blurry x-ray?

A common cause of a blurry x-ray is patient movement during the exposure process. When a patient shifts or moves, even slightly, it can lead to motion blur on the x-ray image. This is significant because x-rays rely on a stable position to capture a clear and accurate representation of the area being examined. Movement can occur due to discomfort, anxiety, or inability to remain still, which ultimately impairs the quality of the diagnostic image.

The other options may contribute to x-ray issues, but they do not specifically lead to blurriness in the image. For example, improper film processing could lead to inadequate development or poor contrast, whereas incorrect settings on the machine typically result in overexposure or underexposure rather than blurriness. Faulty dental film may produce artifacts or other problems, but again, the direct relationship between patient movement and blurriness makes it the most pertinent cause in this context.