FAQ's About Gum Disease Treatment

We understand you might have some questions about your gum disease treatment with Dr. John Hudon. Frequently asked questions and answered are listed below about gum disease, or periodontal disease, and the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) used to treat it.


Q: What is the difference between periodontal disease and gum disease?

A: Periodontal disease and gum disease are essentially the same thing. It is an infection of your gums bacteria accumulate at and below the gum line. Your immune system reacts as it would with any bacterial invasion. The process of inflammation starts and then the white blood cells start moving in to do battle with the bacteria. All this chemical warfare destroys the attachment of the gum tissue to the root of the tooth and can eventually dissolve the bone that holds your teeth in.

Q: Is treatment of periodontal disease painful?

A: The traditional scalpel surgery is usually associated with pain and soreness for 1-2 weeks and usually required narcotic pain medications. After laser assisted surgery, most of Dr. Hudon’s patients are prescribed over the counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and are usually able to return to their regular activities that day or the next. At least 50% of our LANAP patients don’t take any medication for post-operative pain. LANAP® is a unique procedure allowing Dr. Hudon to treat your moderate to advanced periodontal disease with less trauma than traditional methods due to the procedure’s less invasive nature.

Q: What are some of the benefits of laser gum surgery?

A: There are several benefits of laser assisted gum surgery over the traditional scalpel techniques.  Because the laser energy selectively removes primarily the inflamed tissue, it is a minimally invasive and a much more conservative approach. Since Dr. Hudon does not have to reflect or peel the gum tissue away from multiple teeth to treat only one or two teeth (referred to as a flap), there is usually less gum tissue recession afterwards. That means there is less sensitivity as well. Gum tissue recession and subsequent sensitivity are common with the flap approach. Using the PerioLase® MVP-7™ actually helps reduce root sensitivity when compared to pre-operative reporting. There is evidence that this laser therapy promotes new attachment including bone regeneration in some sites. The Nd/Yag laser Dr. Hudon uses not only decrease bleeding, but actually increase the speed of clotting for any procedure. The laser helps to reduce bleeding to such an extent that it can even be used on patients taking blood thinners like Aspirin, Plavix, and Coumadin!

So, there is less pain, less bleeding, and no sutures or packing required in the treatment of periodontal or gum disease.

Q: Is laser gum surgery safe?

A: LANAP® uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ which is FDA cleared and has been backed by extensive research and use producing results that show the treatment is safe and effective. Dr. Hudon and our staff are specifically trained to offer our patients laser gum surgery.

Q: Is LANAP® right for me?

A: Only you and Dr. Hudon can answer that question. If you are concerned about your gums, or are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, call our office to learn more about gum disease treatment in Auburn, AL.

Dr. Hudon and our friendly staff are here to discuss all of your options, and help you decide the best course of action to care for your mouth. We know how important your smile is, and we are dedicated to making it the very best.

Dr. John Hudon Certified American Board of Periodontology

Dr. John M. Hudon is a board certified periodontist in East Central Alabama with American Board of Periodontology Certification.