Pseudopocket
Pronunciation: SOO-doh-pok-et
An apparent deepening of the gingival sulcus caused by coronal enlargement of the gingiva rather than apical migration of the junctional epithelium.
Full Definition
A pseudopocket, also called a false pocket, forms when the gingival margin migrates coronally due to hyperplasia or oedema, creating the appearance of an increased probing depth without true loss of attachment. This is clinically and editorially distinct from a true periodontal pocket, in which the junctional epithelium has migrated apically. Editors must ensure that authors do not use 'pseudopocket' and 'periodontal pocket' interchangeably, as they have different implications for diagnosis and treatment. Pseudopockets are commonly described in drug-induced gingival enlargement and plaque-related gingivitis. The term is written as one word (pseudopocket), not hyphenated.
Usage
Usage note: Spell as one unhyphenated word: 'pseudopocket', not 'pseudo-pocket'. Distinguish from true periodontal pocket in all clinical documents.
In Context
- "The probing depth of 5 mm was attributed to a pseudopocket secondary to amlodipine-induced gingival hyperplasia, with no loss of attachment recorded." — Periodontal examination report
- "The manuscript incorrectly described drug-induced gingival overgrowth as creating 'true pockets'; these should be corrected to 'pseudopockets'." — Copy-editing annotation