What can be inferred if the base of a suprabony pocket is located coronal to the alveolar crest?

When the base of a suprabony pocket is located coronal to the alveolar crest, it indicates the type of pocket formed. A suprabony pocket occurs when the bottom of the pocket is above the level of the alveolar bone, which means that the periodontal attachment has been lost but the pocket does not extend below the level of the bone. This type of pocket typically results from gingival inflammation and can be associated with a variety of periodontal disease stages, but particularly signifies that the tissue around the tooth has undergone changes leading to pocket formation without significant loss of the underlying bone structure.

In the context of periodontal disease, knowing the positioning of the pocket base relative to the alveolar crest helps clinicians assess the condition. If it were a subbony pocket, the base of the pocket would be below the alveolar crest, indicating more advanced periodontal issues involving bone loss. Understanding this distinction assists in developing appropriate treatment plans and expectations for healing.