Periodontal Pocket
A pathologically deepened gingival sulcus resulting from apical migration of the junctional epithelium and destruction of the supporting periodontal tissues.
Full Definition
A periodontal pocket is defined as a sulcus that has deepened beyond the normal range (greater than 3 mm) as a consequence of periodontal disease activity. Pockets are classified as gingival (pseudo) pockets, in which the gingival margin has coronally migrated without loss of connective tissue attachment, or true periodontal pockets, which involve apical displacement of the junctional epithelium and bone loss. Pocket depth is measured with a calibrated periodontal probe from the gingival margin to the base of the pocket and recorded in the periodontal chart. Editors should distinguish probing depth (the measured distance) from the pocket itself (the anatomical entity). The 2017 AAP/EFP classification framework uses pocket depth as a staging criterion.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between probing depth (a measurement) and periodontal pocket (a pathological anatomical entity). Also distinguish pseudo-pocket from a true periodontal pocket.
In Context
- "A periodontal pocket of 6 mm was recorded at the mesial aspect of the mandibular left first molar." — Periodontal charting record
- "The review distinguished between pseudo-pockets caused by gingival enlargement and true periodontal pockets involving alveolar bone resorption." — Systematic review manuscript