What term describes the pathological deepening of a gingival sulcus caused by periodontal disease?

The term that describes the pathological deepening of a gingival sulcus caused by periodontal disease is a periodontal pocket. This condition occurs when the supporting structures of the teeth, which include the gums and the bone, become compromised due to inflammation from periodontal disease. As the disease progresses, there is a loss of attachment between the gingiva and the tooth, leading to an increased depth of the sulcus.

A periodontal pocket is specifically characterized by its association with bone loss and the presence of periodontal disease, differentiating it from a normal gingival sulcus that is typically only about 1-3 mm deep and does not indicate any disease. The periodontal pocket allows for the accumulation of plaque and calculus, exacerbating the disease process.

While the terms gingival pocket and furcation defect pertain to different aspects of periodontal conditions, they do not specifically capture the overall pathological deepening associated with certain forms of periodontal disease. A gingival pocket usually refers to a non-pathological condition where the sulcus is deepened due to gingival hyperplasia, while furcation defects relate to loss of bone support in the multi-rooted teeth area, indicating a more localized problem. Therefore, the correct term to describe the clinical finding associated with periodontal disease is indeed a