What type of bone loss leads to the formation of infrabony pockets?

• A. Horizontal bone loss
• B. Vertical bone loss
• C. Localized bone loss
• D. Generalized bone loss

Answer: (B)

Infrabony pockets are formed primarily due to vertical bone loss. This type of bone loss occurs when there is a more pronounced decrease in the height of the bone surrounding the tooth, often due to periodontal disease or trauma. Vertical bone loss affects the attachment of the periodontal ligament and results in the creation of a pocket where the bone is not supporting the tooth as effectively as it should.

This contrasts with horizontal bone loss, which results in more even loss of bone height around the tooth and generally leads to the formation of suprabony pockets. Localized and generalized bone loss refer to the extent of the bone loss either affecting specific areas or being widespread, respectively, but it is the characteristic of vertical bone loss that defines the resultant infrabony pocket formation.