72 Theories and techniques of oral implantology

Fig. 3-31. Unless irritating factors and pockets are eliminated, periodontitis leads to destruction of the alveolar crest and subsequent tooth loss. (Redrawn from Massler, M., and Schour, I.: Atlas of the mouth in health and disease, Chicago, 1958, American Dental Association. Copyright American Dental Association. Reprinted by permission.)

Root resorption

Pocket

Epithelial attachment

Inflammatory cells and collagen destruction

Inflammatory cells

Resorption areas on bony crest

Fig. 3-32. The bottom of a suprabony pocket is coronal to the alveolar crest. The inflammatory process is causing not only degeneration of the periodontal ligament and bone but resorption of the neighboring root as well. (From Bhaskar, S. N.: Synopsis of oral pathology, ed. 3, St. Louis, 1969, The C. V. Mosby Co.)