Which finding is most indicative of a non-vital pulp in periodontal assessments?

The presence of periapical radiolucency is most indicative of a non-vital pulp in periodontal assessments. This radiolucency is typically associated with the death of the pulp tissue, resulting from untreated caries, trauma, or other factors that compromise the health of the tooth. A non-vital pulp can lead to pulp necrosis, which in turn can cause an inflammatory response in the periapical region, resulting in the formation of a radiolucent area that can be observed on X-rays.

This finding indicates that the pulp has lost its vitality and is no longer capable of responding to stimuli, which often leads to further complications, such as an abscess formation or the spread of infection into the surrounding bone. The presence of periapical radiolucency is significant because it provides evidence of necrosis and is commonly used as a diagnostic criterion in endodontic assessments.

On the other hand, color change of the tooth can occur due to various factors, not exclusively linked to pulp vitality. Heat sensitivity is more commonly associated with vital pulp responses rather than indicating non-vitality, as a vital tooth will typically respond to thermal stimuli. Loss of gingival attachment pertains more to periodontal disease rather than pulp vitality, as it