True pockets around the teeth are typically caused by which condition?

True pockets around the teeth are typically a result of periodontitis, which is an advanced form of periodontal disease. In periodontitis, the inflammation extends deeper than just the gum tissue, affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone. This condition leads to the breakdown of the periodontal ligaments and the bone surrounding the teeth. As a result, spaces known as periodontal pockets form, which are spaces deeper than normal between the gums and teeth. These pockets can harbor bacteria and toxins, potentially leading to further tissue destruction if not properly managed.

In contrast, gingivitis primarily involves inflammation of the gum tissue without the deeper tissue destruction. Dental caries, or cavities, refer to the decay of tooth structure due to bacterial activity and do not create pockets in the same manner. Ankylosis refers to the fusion of the tooth root to the bone, which does not involve the formation of pockets around the teeth but affects the overall mobility of the tooth instead. Thus, periodontitis is the condition that best explains the formation of true pockets surrounding the teeth.