What potential adverse effect occurs if root surfaces are carbonized during laser treatment?

The potential adverse effect of carbonizing root surfaces during laser treatment is inflammation and pain. When the root surfaces are carbonized, this indicates that the laser has generated excessive heat, leading to the destructive alteration of dental tissues. Such thermal damage can provoke an inflammatory response as the body's natural healing mechanisms react to the damaged tissue.

Inflammation often results in symptoms such as swelling, redness, pain, and sometimes even prolonged sensitivity in the affected area. Additionally, the carbonization process can hinder proper healing and regeneration of periodontal tissues, making it critical to manage the intensity and duration of laser applications carefully.

In contrast, both improved healing and enhanced attachment of fibroblasts would typically occur with appropriate laser treatment that preserves the root surface. Increased bone growth is also not directly related to carbonization, as this effect generally requires optimal biophysical conditions that are compromised when tissue is excessively damaged. Therefore, inflammation and pain are indeed the notable adverse effects associated with carbonized root surfaces during laser applications.