Final answer:
The radiolucent area in the periapical radiograph around the apex of a mandibular lateral incisor of a vital tooth is likely periapical osteofibrosis. This condition, which is benign, results in a radiolucent appearance due to fibrous tissue within the bone and aligns with the absence of clinical symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a periapical radiographic examination of a person in good general health, the presence of a radiolucent area around the apex of a mandibular lateral incisor can be alarming. Given that there are no restorations in the tooth, no history of pain, normal responses to temperature changes, and a normal electric pulp tester response, it suggests that the tooth is vital. These factors tend to rule out common periapical pathologies associated with non-vital teeth such as a cyst or a granuloma. Furthermore, if the radiolucent area was due to a film artifact, other inconsistencies or irregularities would typically be present on the radiograph.
Considering the tooth's vitality, periapical osteofibrosis is a possible diagnosis. Periapical osteofibrosis is a relatively benign condition characterized by the presence of fibrous tissue within the bone, which may appear radiolucent on X-rays but does not present any clinical symptoms. This would align with the clinical findings of a vital tooth in the absence of pain or infection. Thus, the correct option is D. periapical osteofibrosis.