Final answer:
D. tenderness to percussion.
Chronic apical periodontitis typically presents with tenderness to percussion, reflecting an inflammation and possible infection of the periapical tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pathologic symptom of chronic apical periodontitis is D. tenderness to percussion. This condition is an inflammatory disorder of the periapical tissue that is usually caused by bacterial infection from the dental pulp. Chronic apical periodontitis can lead to the destruction of the periapical bone and the formation of an apical granuloma, cyst, or abscess. Symptoms often include pain and discomfort, especially when pressure is applied to the tooth, which is assessed clinically with percussion tests. It differs from other periodontal diseases, which are characterized by inflammation and erosion of gums, bleeding, and halitosis; and can eventually cause tooth loss due to the erosion of cementum in severe cases.