The wrinkled appearance that results from films transitioning between solutions with wide temperature variations is called?

The wrinkled appearance observed in dental radiography films that transition between solutions with significant temperature variations is termed reticulation. This phenomenon occurs when a film is rapidly cooled or heated, causing the gelatin emulsion to expand and contract at different rates, leading to the formation of a textured surface resembling wrinkles or a network of lines.

Reticulation is primarily a result of the physical stress placed on the emulsion layer caused by abrupt changes in temperature, which can compromise the film's overall quality and diagnostic value. Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the processing of radiographic films is essential to prevent this defect and ensure optimal imaging results.

In contrast, other terms mentioned, such as liquefaction, dichroic fog, and blistering, refer to different phenomena or issues that can occur in film processing but do not specifically describe the wrinkled appearance resulting from temperature variation.