What might a patient complain about after scaling and root planing (SRP) due to reduction of edematous gingiva?

The reduction of edematous gingiva following scaling and root planing can lead to an apparent increase in the space between the teeth. When edematous tissue (swollen gums) is removed during SRP, the contour of the gingival tissue changes. This can make existing gaps or spaces between teeth more noticeable, as the inflammatory tissue that may have filled those spaces is reduced.

The other options, while relevant to SRP, do not directly arise from the specific context of reduced swollen gum tissue. Increased sensitivity is common after SRP but is typically due to exposure of the root surfaces rather than the reduction of swelling. Bleeding gums may occur after the procedure but would not be a direct outcome of the reduction of edematous tissue itself. Pain while chewing can be symptomatic after SRP but is also not a direct result of the reduction of gum edema. Thus, the noticeable space between teeth is the most logically connected outcome to the specific issue of reduced edematous gingiva.