Ladd Dental Group

 Just got back from an incredible trip to NYC with the Dandy team—such a great experience all around. Spending time with a partner like Dandy , who’s truly innovating and pushing dentistry forward, is always energizing. The conversations, the collaboration, and the shared vision for where things are headed make it even more exciting for what’s to come. That said… as great as the city is, it feels really good to be home. Back to our team, our dental patients , and continuing to build something special—now with even more momentum coming out of a great few days with Dandy. 

 If you’re in New York City and don’t stop by Liberty Bagels… you’re missing out. 🥯 There’s just something different about their bagels. Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside—everything a true NYC bagel should be. And then they take it a step further with some of the most creative flavors and cream cheese combinations you’ll find anywhere. From the classic everything bagel with scallion cream cheese to their famous rainbow bagels (yes, they actually live up to the hype), every bite feels like the real New York experience. And let’s be honest—the line out the door tells you everything you need to know. Simple takeaway: Liberty Bagels isn’t just good… it’s a must-stop every time you’re in NYC. 

 This past Friday, our team had the privilege of joining Dandy on their new podcast platform, The Margin Line , for a conversation centered around all things dentistry —and we couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity. A Meaningful Dialogue About the Future of Dentistry The discussion was a great reminder of just how dynamic and forward-moving our profession is. From the evolution of group dentistry to advancements in digital workflows and patient experience, it’s clear that dentistry is entering an exciting new chapter. Platforms like The Margin Line create space for thoughtful conversations that challenge the status quo and highlight what’s possible when innovation and clinical excellence come together. We were honored to share our perspective, but even more so to be part of a broader dialogue with leaders who are passionate about pushing the industry forward. A Partnership We Truly Value A special thank you goes to Joe and the entire go-to-market team at Dandy . The...

 Protecting your teeth and gums comes down to consistency, prevention, and a few high-impact habits. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to keeping your oral health in great shape: 🪥 1. Brush the Right Way (Not Just More Often) Brush twice a day for 2 minutes Use a soft-bristled toothbrush Angle toward the gumline (about 45°) to clean where plaque builds up most Don’t scrub aggressively—this can cause gum recession over time 🧵 2. Floss Daily (This Is Non-Negotiable) Flossing removes plaque between teeth where brushing can’t reach Skipping this is one of the biggest reasons patients develop Gum Disease If patients struggle with string floss, try floss picks or a water flosser 🦷 3. Use Fluoride to Strengthen Enamel Fluoride helps remineralize enamel and prevent decay Use fluoride toothpaste and consider a rinse if you’re cavity-prone Especially important for patients with a history of Tooth Decay 🥤 4. Watch What You Sip (Frequency M...

 ZYN and other nicotine pouches are often marketed as a “cleaner” alternative to smoking or chewing tobacco—but from a dental perspective, they’re not harmless . They affect your gums and teeth in a few important ways: 🦷 What they do to your gums (biggest impact) Reduced blood flow: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which limits oxygen and nutrients to your gums and slows healing Irritation at the placement site: The pouch sits directly against the gum, causing redness, soreness, or even small lesions Gum recession risk: Repeated use in the same spot can cause the gum to pull back over time, exposing tooth roots 👉 This is the biggest clinical concern dentists see—localized tissue damage exactly where the pouch sits. 🦷 Effects on your teeth Increased sensitivity: Exposed roots from gum recession can make teeth sensitive to cold or brushing Higher cavity risk (indirect): Nicotine can reduce saliva → dry mouth Less saliva = less natural protecti...

 Bite guards—also called night guards or occlusal guards—are one of the simplest but most powerful tools we have to protect long-term oral health. They’re custom-made appliances worn over the teeth (usually at night) to prevent damage from clenching and grinding. Why Bite Guards Are Important 1. Protect Teeth from Wear and Fracture Many patients suffer from Bruxism (clenching or grinding), often without realizing it. Over time, this can flatten teeth, cause cracks, or even lead to broken restorations like crowns and fillings. 2. Reduce Jaw Pain and Muscle Fatigue Clenching puts excessive strain on the jaw muscles and joints, often contributing to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder . A bite guard helps redistribute forces and gives those muscles a chance to relax. 3. Prevent Costly Dental Work Without protection, grinding can lead to significant wear that requires veneers, crowns, or full-mouth rehabilitation. A guard is a much smaller investment compared to reconstructive den...

 The dental industry is evolving—and for good reason. Patients expect more convenience, better technology, and a higher level of care than ever before. At the same time, dentists are looking for sustainable, fulfilling careers that allow them to focus on what they do best: treating patients. Group dentistry sits right at the intersection of those needs. When done well, it creates a model that benefits everyone involved—patients, doctors, and teams alike. A Better Experience for Patients At its core, group dentistry is about access and consistency. With multiple providers working collaboratively, patients benefit from: Expanded availability – more appointment options, shorter wait times, and easier scheduling Continuity of care – access to a team rather than relying on a single provider’s schedule Broader expertise – different doctors bring unique strengths, allowing for more comprehensive treatment planning Instead of feeling like they’re tied to one person’s ...

 At LADD Dental Group , one of the things we are most grateful for is the incredible people who make up our team. The relationships we build with our doctors, team members, and patients are what truly make our practices special. That’s why we are so excited to welcome Dr. Kenneth Leezer to the LADD Dental Group family at our Kokomo location. Dr. Leezer brings a strong commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate patient care. From the moment he joined our team, it was clear that he shares the same values that define LADD Dental Group —treating every patient like family and providing dentistry that is thoughtful, modern, and personalized. Our Kokomo community deserves access to outstanding dental care , and Dr. Leezer’s dedication to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles will make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s helping a patient overcome dental anxiety, restoring a smile, or guiding someone toward long-term oral health, his approach reflects the kind of...

 At LADD Dental Group , one of the things we value most is the people who make up our team. Great dentistry is about far more than procedures and technology—it’s about relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to serving our community well. That’s why we are incredibly grateful and excited to welcome Dr. Kenneth Leezer to our LADD Dental Group of Kokomo family. Adding a new doctor to a practice is always a meaningful moment. It represents growth, new energy, and another opportunity to expand the level of care we can provide to our patients. From the moment we connected with Dr. Leezer, it was clear that his philosophy of patient care aligned perfectly with the values that guide our entire organization. Dr. Leezer brings with him a deep commitment to clinical excellence and a genuine passion for caring for patients. He understands that every smile has a story behind it, and that great dentistry begins by listening, building trust, and creating a comfortable experience for ...

 ICAN (Indiana Canine Assistant Network) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that trains assistance dogs to help people live more independent lives. Key features of the program: Service dogs are trained for about two years and learn 50–80 commands . Dogs help with tasks like: retrieving dropped items opening doors or turning on lights providing mobility balance assisting people with developmental or physical disabilities. Most of the daily training is done by carefully selected incarcerated individuals in Indiana prisons , giving them job skills, discipline, and purpose as they prepare to reenter society. After training, the dogs are placed with individuals, schools, hospitals, or therapy programs. So the program actually changes three lives at once : The person receiving the service dog The incarcerated trainer gaining life skills The communities served by the dog How the Program Helped Honor Deputy Carl Koontz In March 2016 , Deputy Carl Koontz ...

  Why So Many Dental Practices Have Deferred Maintenance 1. Dentists Focus on Clinical Work, Not Facilities Most dentists are trained to focus on patient care, not building management . So things like: aging compressors worn dental chairs outdated X-ray units failing cabinetry software upgrades get pushed down the priority list unless something breaks. 2. Cash Flow Gets Redirected Many owners prioritize: paying down student loans saving for retirement reducing working hours hiring staff Instead of reinvesting in: new technology office updates equipment replacement cycles So maintenance becomes reactive instead of proactive . 3. “I’m Selling Soon” Syndrome This is probably the biggest reason . Dentists within 3–7 years of retirement often stop investing because they think: “Why would I put $300k into the practice if I’m selling soon?” Ironically, this usually costs them more in valuation . 4. Rapid Technology Changes ...

 At LADD Dental Group , we’re always looking for ways to make visiting the dentist easier, more convenient, and more comfortable for our patients. That’s why we’re proud to roll out online new patient scheduling for our Westfield location. For many people, life moves fast. Between work, family, and everything else on the calendar, finding time to call during business hours to schedule a dental appointment isn’t always easy. Online scheduling solves that problem. Here are a few of the biggest benefits for our patients: 1. Convenience Anytime, Anywhere Patients can schedule their first appointment 24/7 , whether it’s early in the morning, late at night, or during a quick break at work. No waiting on hold or trying to call during office hours. 2. Faster Access to Care Online scheduling allows patients to instantly see available appointment times and choose the one that works best for them. This helps patients get the care they need sooner. 3. A Simple, Stress-Free Experience...

 We’re excited to share something new for our patients in Westfield ! At LADD Dental Group , we know life gets busy. That’s why we’re grateful to now offer online new patient scheduling for our Westfield office. Finding time to call during the day isn’t always easy, and we want starting your dental care with us to be as simple and convenient as possible. With online scheduling, new patients can now book their first visit anytime—day or night—in just a few clicks . It’s one more way we’re working to make dental care easier, more accessible, and centered around our patients. If you or someone you know has been looking for a dentist in Westfield , we’d love to welcome you! 

 Today we pause to remember and honor C arl Koontz — a hero, a public servant, and a man whose legacy continues to live on through the people who loved him most. Deputy Koontz gave his life in the line of duty during the Howard County shooting of 2016 while serving the community through the Howard County Sheriff's Office . His courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. For our team at LADD Dental Group , this remembrance is deeply personal. Carl’s wife has been part of our dental family for more than 10 years as an expanded function dental assistant. Every day she brings compassion, strength, and dedication to our patients and our team — qualities that reflect the same spirit of service Karl lived out in his life. We are incredibly grateful for her, and we are proud to stand beside her in remembering Carl. His sacrifice reminds us of the courage it takes to serve others and the importance of supporting the families who carry that legacy forward. Today and always, we honor...

 Dental anxiety is incredibly common—millions of people delay treatment because they’re nervous about discomfort, sounds, or simply being in the dental chair. One solution many dentists offer is oral conscious sedation , which helps patients relax while still remaining awake and responsive. Let’s break down how it works and why many anxious patients find it helpful. How Oral Conscious Sedation Works Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your dental appointment . The most commonly used medications are from a class called benzodiazepines , such as Triazolam or Diazepam . Here’s what typically happens: Pre-appointment medication The patient takes a small pill about 30–60 minutes before the procedure (sometimes at home or when arriving at the office). Relaxation begins The medication works by slowing activity in the central nervous system, producing a calming, anti-anxiety effect . You stay awake but relaxed Unlike general anesthesia...

 A lot of patients who wear conventional dentures eventually reach a point where they say the same thing: “They work… but they’re just not great.” That’s exactly why many people consider upgrading to an implant-retained overdenture . It keeps the benefits of a denture while solving many of the problems patients struggle with. Here are some of the biggest reasons patients make the switch. 👇 1. Much Better Stability Traditional dentures sit on the gums and rely on suction and adhesives to stay in place. That means they can shift when talking, laughing, or eating. Implant-retained overdentures are anchored to dental implants placed in the jaw , which act like artificial tooth roots. This provides a secure “snap-in” fit so the denture stays firmly in place throughout the day. Patients often say this is the single biggest quality-of-life improvement . 2. Eat the Foods You Love Again Because conventional dentures can move, many patients avoid harder or tougher foods like steak...

 When people think about aging, they often think about wrinkles, gray hair, or changes in energy levels. But one of the most overlooked signs of aging actually happens inside the mouth: bone loss in the jaw after losing teeth . Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a powerful solution— dental implants . Dental implants don’t just replace missing teeth . They help preserve bone, support facial structure, and maintain a more youthful appearance . The Hidden Problem: Bone Loss After Tooth Loss Your jawbone is living tissue that stays strong through stimulation from your teeth. Every time you chew or bite, your tooth roots send signals to the bone, helping maintain its strength and density. When a tooth is lost, that stimulation disappears. Over time, the body begins to resorb the bone in that area , meaning the bone slowly shrinks. In fact, studies show that up to 25% of bone width can be lost in the first year after a tooth extraction . As more bone disappears, it can lead to s...