Which condition involves inflammation in the periodontal ligament (PDL) of a vital or nonvital tooth?

• A. Necrotic pulp
• B. Asymptomatic apical periodontitis
• C. Symptomatic apical periodontitis
• D. Chronic apical abscess

Answer: (C)

The condition that involves inflammation in the periodontal ligament (PDL) of a vital or nonvital tooth is symptomatic apical periodontitis. This condition is characterized by the presence of inflammation at the root apex, which is often associated with symptoms such as pain. The inflammation can extend to the PDL, leading to symptoms like tenderness to percussion and discomfort when biting down.

Symptomatic apical periodontitis usually occurs as a result of pulpitis, where the pulp tissue becomes inflamed or infected. In this case, either the pulp may still be vital and causing pain due to inflammation, or it may already be necrotic, contributing to the discomfort from the surrounding structures, including the PDL. The inflammation in the PDL is a key feature of this condition, differentiating it from others.

In contrast, necrotic pulp refers specifically to the death of the pulp tissue without necessarily indicating that there is inflammation of the PDL at that moment. Asymptomatic apical periodontitis describes a state where there are no clinical symptoms, although there may still be pathological changes around the apex, without active inflammation symptoms like pain. Lastly, a chronic apical abscess typically represents a localized area of infection that may not be characterized by