If my periodontal pockets have shrunk, does this mean that my gum bones still dissolving?

Periodontal: If your periodontal pockets have reduced-that is a good thing. Normal measurement is 0-3 mm. That being said, the gums will follow the bone. However, in some medical problems you can have bone loss without periodontal disease-that is not a good thing. Dental radiographs will tell if you have bone loss. See your dentist for update.

No: If the pockets are shrinking, that usually is an indication that the breakdown of bone has stopped. You are not cured, though. Gum disease is a chronic problem that can be controlled, like high blood pressure and diabetes. If you do not maintain you oral hygiene routine, the breakdown of bone can begin again.

It may be: Periodontal disease can continue even though pockets have "shrunk." after antibiotics or initial therapy, pockets will shrink but the disease may still be present. Once the disease had been appropriately and completely treated and the pockets are reduced to a "maintainable level by the patient, " your bone levels should be considered stabilized.