Gingival Sulcus
Pronunciation: JIN-jih-vul SUL-kus
The shallow, V-shaped space between the free gingival margin and the tooth surface in a clinically healthy mouth.
Full Definition
The gingival sulcus is the naturally occurring crevice surrounding each tooth, bounded laterally by the sulcular epithelium, apically by the junctional epithelium, and medially by the tooth surface. In health, sulcus depth ranges from 1 to 3 mm. When inflammation deepens this space beyond accepted clinical norms, it is reclassified as a periodontal pocket. Editors should avoid conflating 'sulcus' with 'pocket,' as the distinction carries clinical and regulatory significance in clinical documentation. The adjectival form 'sulcular' is commonly encountered in descriptions of irrigation technique and epithelial anatomy.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'sulcus' for healthy tissue (≤3 mm); transition to 'periodontal pocket' when depth indicates pathology. The plural form is 'sulci.'
In Context
- "Gentle placement of the probe tip within the gingival sulcus confirmed a healthy depth of 2 mm around the central incisors." — Patient clinical note
- "The manuscript used 'sulcus' and 'pocket' interchangeably throughout — the editor standardised to 'sulcus' for healthy tissue and 'pocket' for pathological depth." — Journal article copy-edit