Final answer:
Condensing osteitis in the periapical region is a sign of chronic inflammation of the pulp, as it is a result of a long-standing infection leading to increased bone density in the affected area visible on an x-ray.
Step-by-step explanation:
Condensing osteitis in the periapical region is indicative of chronic inflammation of the pulp (C). This condition is associated with a chronic inflammatory response which leads to the formation of dense bone (sclerosis) in response to a low-grade infection. It is typically visible on a dental x-ray as an area of increased radiodensity near the root of a tooth, suggesting a long-standing infection. Acute inflammation of the pulp or early apical abscess formation would not show sclerosis on a radiograph, and a pulpal abscess would generally show radiolucency due to the destruction of bone.