What characterizes active periodontal pockets?

Active periodontal pockets are characterized by ongoing attachment loss, which indicates that the supporting structures around the teeth are being destroyed as a result of periodontal disease. This continuous process of tissue breakdown leads to the deepening of the pockets where bacteria can persist and inflammation can occur. As attachment loss progresses, the tooth becomes less stable and more susceptible to further periodontal issues.

In contrast, healing with long junctional epithelium pertains to how some pockets may respond to treatment, forming a new attachment that is not true connective tissue attachment but rather a compromise that lacks true periodontal structure.

Maintaining pockets without attachment loss suggests a state of stability, which does not align with the definition of an active pocket. The condition of having stable probing depths also implies that there is no active disease occurring, as probing depths that remain constant typically indicate a non-progressive state. Thus, the characteristic of ongoing attachment loss is what sets active periodontal pockets apart from other conditions related to periodontal health.