What is a common post-operative complication following surgical periodontal treatment?

Gingival recession is a common post-operative complication following surgical periodontal treatment due to the nature of periodontal procedures, which often involve manipulation of the gum tissue. During surgeries such as flap surgeries or gingivectomy, the integrity of the periapical soft tissues can be disrupted. This disruption may lead to a loss of attached gingival tissue, which can result in the exposure of tooth roots and consequently, gingival recession.

Additionally, the healing process following surgical intervention can cause changes in the positioning of the gums relative to the teeth. The inflammation that occurs post-surgery can initially reduce the extent of gingival coverage, leading to recession that may not fully resolve. Attention to proper surgical technique and post-operative care is crucial to minimize the risk of this complication.

The other options do not typically occur as a result of surgical periodontal treatments. Increased dentin density is a characteristic seen in certain pathological conditions, tooth whitening is a cosmetic treatment unrelated to surgical procedures, and decreased tooth sensitivity is not a common outcome following surgery, as sensitivity often persists or can even increase after surgical interventions due to exposure of roots or changes in the dentin.