Which type of bone loss is associated with suprabony pockets?

Suprabony pockets are periodontal pockets that occur above the level of the bone, where the alveolar bone crest remains intact and is located coronal to the bottom of the pocket. This anatomical arrangement typically leads to horizontal bone loss, characterized by a uniform reduction of the alveolar bone level parallel to the line of the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ).

In the case of horizontal bone loss, the bone surrounding the tooth is lost evenly, which allows the periodontal tissue to form pockets that extend deeper than the gingiva but do not result in vertical bony defects. This contrasts with vertical bone loss, which creates deeper, irregular defects due to the loss of bone support in a more localized manner, typically seen in infrabony pockets.

Understanding the relationship between pocket types and bone loss patterns is critical in periodontal diagnostics and treatment planning, highlighting the importance of recognizing suprabony pockets as indicative of horizontal bone loss.