What characterizes the horizontal pattern of bone loss?

The even loss of bone across an area is a key characteristic of horizontal bone loss. This pattern of bone loss typically indicates a general deterioration of the bone structure surrounding the teeth, affecting a wider area rather than being concentrated in specific spots.

In periodontal disease, horizontal bone loss can occur due to various factors, including plaque accumulation and inflammatory responses, leading to a uniform reduction in bone height around the roots of multiple teeth. This uniformity distinguishes it from other types of bone loss, such as localized loss, which would only affect specific teeth or areas.

The other options do not adequately describe horizontal bone loss. For instance, while reduction in bone density is a related concept, it does not specifically characterize the horizontal aspect of the loss. Localized bone loss refers to a more isolated and targeted area of bone loss, which is contrary to the even pattern of horizontal loss. Similarly, the statement regarding the loss of cortical bone only fails to encompass the full scope of horizontal bone loss, which typically involves both cortical and trabecular bone. Thus, the even distribution of the loss is the defining aspect of horizontal bone loss.