What defines true pocketing in dental health?

True pocketing in dental health is characterized by the destruction of the supporting bone structure around a tooth. When periodontal disease progresses, it can lead to the formation of periodontal pockets, where the gum detaches from the tooth and the supporting bone is lost. This condition indicates a deeper, more severe level of periodontal disease, as opposed to other states such as gingivitis, which is typically reversible and does not involve significant bone loss.

In contrast, conditions like shallow gingival pockets or those without calculus do not signify true pocketing as they do not indicate irreversible changes to the bone structure. True pocketing is associated with lasting periodontal damage, meaning it reflects a more significant deterioration of dental health than merely the presence of gum pockets without bone loss.