What is the bone loss pattern and pocket type described on the distal side of tooth #30?

• A. Vertical bone loss with a supra-bony pocket
• B. Horizontal bone loss with a suprabony pocket
• C. No bone loss
• D. Vertical bone loss with an infra-bony pocket

Answer: (D)

In periodontal assessment, bone loss can be horizontal or vertical. Horizontal loss reduces bone height more or less evenly and tends to create suprabony pockets, where the pocket base sits above the bone crest. Vertical (angular) loss means the defect extends apically into the bone, and the pocket base is below the crest, forming an infrabony pocket. Describing the distal side of tooth 30 as having vertical bone loss with an infrabony pocket fits this pattern precisely—the bone loss is apical to the crest, and the pocket base lies within the bone above the root surface. The other descriptions don’t match: horizontal loss would not create an infrabony pocket, and no bone loss would have no pocket.