Which feature is NOT associated with acute apical abscess?

An acute apical abscess is a localized collection of pus that occurs at the apex of a tooth root due to infection, often stemming from an untreated dental pulp infection. The features typically associated with an acute apical abscess include tenderness to pressure, swelling, and significant tenderness to palpation. These symptoms result from inflammation and infection in the surrounding tissues, making the affected area very sensitive.

However, pulp vitality refers to the health and responsiveness of the dental pulp tissue, which is often compromised in the presence of an acute apical abscess. In fact, the pulp may be necrotic or non-vital, having lost its ability to respond to stimuli, such as cold or electric pulp testing, due to the infection that precipitated the abscess. Therefore, the presence of pulp vitality is not consistent with the typical conditions surrounding an acute apical abscess, making it the correct answer in this context.