Which condition occurs during periodontal pocket formation?

Attachment loss is a key condition that occurs during periodontal pocket formation. This process begins when the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, become compromised due to inflammation caused by plaque accumulation. The periodontal pocket forms as a result of the migration of the junctional epithelium apically down the root surface, leading to detachment of the soft tissue and loss of bone around the tooth. As the disease progresses, this detachment results in an increased depth of the sulcus, creating the characteristic periodontal pocket.

Other conditions like gingival fibrosis, bone deposition, and gingival hypertrophy do not occur during the formation of periodontal pockets. Gingival fibrosis usually describes the thickening and scarring of the gum tissue associated with chronic inflammation, while gingival hypertrophy refers to an overgrowth of gum tissue that can cover teeth and is usually caused by local irritants, medications, or systemic conditions. Bone deposition refers to the process of new bone formation, which does not occur in the context of active periodontal disease; instead, there is typically a loss of bone support in areas affected by periodontal pockets.