A periodontal score of * indicates?

• A. Gingival recession and pockets of 3-4mm
• B. Furcation involvement and pockets of 7mm and more
• C. Pockets 1-3mm with no furcation involvement
• D. No periodontal involvement

Answer: (B)

A high periodontal score is used to reflect advanced disease, showing both substantial attachment loss and specific patterns of destruction. When the score indicates furcation involvement along with pockets of 7 mm or more, it means bone loss has reached the furcation areas of multi‑rooted teeth and there are very deep pockets. This combination signals extensive periodontal destruction and a more complex treatment need. In contrast, shallow pockets of 1–3 mm with no furcation involvement point to milder disease or healthy tissue, while gingival recession with 3–4 mm pockets suggests some attachment loss but not the severe involvement described by a 7 mm pocket with furcation involvement. No periodontal involvement would be a healthy scenario with minimal or no pocketing.