What are the risks of root planing and scaling?

One of the greatest risks of root planning and scaling is not having it done when it is indicated due to the presence of periodontal disease. It is the initial phase of treatment that can often bring about significant improvement in the health status of the periodontium. The periodontium refers to the supporting tissues of the teeth, those tissues that connect the teeth to the bone and the bone itself.

Actual treatment risks, as reviewed in my informed consent for periodontal treatment, include the following:

1. Reaction to medication or local anesthesia
2. Post-op bleeding
3. Post-op pain
4. Post-op swelling and bruising
5. Post-op infection
6. Increased sensitivity to temperature, which may resolve, may require further treatment, or may persist
7. Apparent changes in appearance of teeth due to gum recession as result of decreased inflammation
8. Margins of crown become visible
9. Exposed root surface due to recession, as noted above
10. Pain in teeth and roots
11. Need for changes in oral hygiene methods to remove food and plaque from between teeth due to increase size of triangle of space
12. Tooth mobility/loss

Obviously, this does not appear to be a great advertisement for root planing and scaling; however, it is important to do what you have to do to maintain your teeth.