What level of bone loss is described for the Case 16 patient?

• A. Mild
• B. Moderate
• C. Severe
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Bone loss level is determined by how much alveolar bone has receded around the teeth, typically seen on radiographs and corroborated by probing depths and tooth mobility. In Case 16, the bone loss is not just a tiny, barely visible change, but it isn’t so extensive that it would be described as severe. There’s a clear but not excessive amount of bone height reduction around several teeth, with pockets deeper than initial stages and a pattern you’d expect to see with moderate disease progression. That combination—visible, measurable loss that exceeds mild changes but stops short of advanced destruction—fits a moderate level.

Mild bone loss would show only slight height reduction and shallow pockets; severe bone loss would show extensive resorption, significant bone destruction, and greater mobility. None would indicate no bone loss at all.