SRP is a non-surgical procedure designed to treat moderate-to-severe periodontal disease. This treatment involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces and root beneath the gum line, then smoothing the root to discourage future bacterial adherence. While SRP is highly effective at halting the progression of gum disease, patients should be aware of the potential negative outcomes. Understanding these drawbacks, which range from temporary discomfort to permanent changes, helps manage expectations before undergoing this necessary dental intervention.
Acute Side Effects and Recovery Time
The most common complaints immediately following a deep cleaning involve localized discomfort and pain. Patients often experience a mild aching or throbbing sensation in the treated area, which is a normal reaction to the intensive cleaning performed below the gum tissue. This temporary pain is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen.
Gum tissues will likely appear swollen and tender for a few days, and minor bleeding or oozing is also expected, particularly when brushing. This bleeding should subside within two to three days as the gums begin the healing process. Local anesthesia is frequently administered to numb the area during the procedure, and the injection sites may cause temporary tenderness until the numbing agent wears off.
The initial discomfort usually peaks in the first few hours and then steadily improves. Most acute side effects resolve within two to seven days. Avoiding hard, sticky, or acidic foods and adopting a soft diet helps minimize irritation and speed up recovery.
Structural Changes and Lingering Sensitivity
A significant disadvantage of deep cleaning involves lasting changes to the oral anatomy. Gum recession is a frequent structural change, where the gum tissue pulls back and exposes more of the tooth root surface. This recession is often a consequence of the underlying inflammation being resolved, as the swollen tissues shrink back to a healthier, lower position on the tooth.
The exposure of the root surface is an aesthetic concern, as it can make the teeth appear longer. Since the newly exposed root surfaces are not covered by enamel, this leads to increased tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity is commonly triggered by hot or cold temperatures and sweet foods, and while it often improves, it can persist for weeks or months after the procedure.
Gum shrinkage can also result in “black triangles,” which are small, dark spaces that open up between the teeth near the gum line. These spaces were previously filled by the interdental papilla, which retracts after the deep cleaning due to the reduction of inflammation and removal of calculus. While this change reflects a healthier state of the gums, the new spacing can be a source of cosmetic displeasure. In some cases, patients may also experience a temporary feeling of looseness in the teeth if the bone support was compromised.
Serious Complications and Contraindications
Though rare, serious medical risks are associated with SRP. The procedure involves manipulating tissue below the gum line, which can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream (bacteremia). This presents a risk of post-operative infection, which may require antibiotics to resolve.
Infection can progress to an abscess formation, characterized by severe pain, fever, and purulent discharge, necessitating immediate professional attention. Patients with underlying health conditions, such as prosthetic joints, heart conditions (like endocarditis risk), or compromised immune systems, may need prophylactic antibiotics before the procedure. This premedication prevents the bacteria released during the cleaning from causing a systemic infection.
Temporary or, rarely, permanent nerve damage leading to numbness is another potential complication. Furthermore, SRP is not appropriate for all cases of gum disease; it is contraindicated when the disease is so advanced that it requires surgical intervention to access deep pockets or repair bone loss. Uncontrolled systemic diseases may also make the procedure too risky, necessitating careful management and clearance from a physician before treatment.