What condition is described by the presence of true pockets in the gingiva?

The presence of true pockets in the gingiva is indicative of periodontitis. This condition involves the inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth, which includes not just the gingiva but also the underlying bone. As periodontitis progresses, it leads to the destruction of the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone, resulting in the formation of pockets that can be measured in millimeters.

True periodontal pockets are characterized by a detachment of the gingiva from the tooth, which is not the case in gingivitis, where the inflammation is limited to the surface of the gums and does not involve the supporting structures to the same extent. In conditions like gingival hyperplasia, there may be an overgrowth of gum tissue but not the formation of true pockets. Dentinal hypersensitivity pertains to discomfort experienced from exposed dentin and is unrelated to the condition of the gums or the presence of periodontal pockets. Therefore, periodontitis is the only condition that directly describes the formation of true pockets in the gingiva, making it the correct answer.