Which finding is typical of chronic periodontitis?

• A. Shallow pockets
• B. Gingival recession
• C. Mobility without bone loss
• D. Deep periodontal pockets with alveolar bone loss

Answer: (D)

Chronic periodontitis involves inflammation-driven destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues, leading to loss of attachment and bone. The hallmark clinical finding is deep periodontal pockets due to the apical migration of the junctional epithelium and breakdown of connective tissue, accompanied by alveolar bone loss seen radiographically. This combination—pockets that are deeper than normal plus bone loss—best reflects the disease process. Shallow pockets are not typical, gingival recession can occur but isn’t by itself the defining feature, and mobility without bone loss doesn’t fit the usual pattern of a periodontal destruction process.