What processing fault is likely to result in indistinct and fogged images after processing bitewing radiographs?

Indistinct and fogged images observed after processing bitewing radiographs can be attributed to exposure to light during the development process. This exposure causes unwanted light to reach the film, which can lead to a loss of detail and an overall hazy appearance on the radiograph. When the film is exposed to light, it can produce a uniform fogging effect, making diagnostic interpretation difficult.

In contrast, while a developer solution that is too cold might slow down the development process and could lead to underdevelopment, the primary result would not be fogging but an overall lack of density in the image. A fixer solution that is too hot can also produce issues in terms of image quality, such as reticulation, but it does not typically cause fogging. Lastly, insufficient washing post-processing can leave residual chemicals on the film, potentially causing discoloration, but would not typically manifest as a fogged image right after processing. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the critical factor of light exposure leading to fogged images.