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Dental Anxiety | Ask About Our Dental Service Dog

 At LADD Dental Group , we’ve always believed that a dental visit should be more than just about your teeth—it should be about your whole experience. That’s why we’re especially grateful for one of the most unique and caring members of our team: our dental service dog, Ana . Ana has a gift for making people feel calm, safe, and cared for. Dental visits can bring on stress or anxiety for many patients, but when Ana greets you with her gentle presence, it’s hard not to feel more at ease. Whether she’s sitting quietly by your side, offering a paw for reassurance, or just sharing her calming energy, Ana helps create a soothing environment for dental patients of all ages. We’re so thankful for the way Ana brightens our dental office every time she visits. She reminds us that dentistry is not only about clinical excellence but also about compassion, comfort, and human connection. Patients tell us time and again how much they appreciate her, and we couldn’t agree more—Ana truly ma...
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Ask The Experts | Coca-Cola No-Go

 Coca-Cola may be one of the most recognizable brands in the world, but behind the fizz and flavor lies a serious risk to your dental health . While enjoying a soda occasionally might seem harmless, frequent consumption of Coke can cause lasting damage to your teeth . Here’s why. 1. Loaded with Sugar A single 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains around 39 grams of sugar —that’s nearly 10 teaspoons. When sugar sits on your teeth , bacteria in your mouth feed on it, producing acid as a byproduct. These acids erode your tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay over time. 2. High Acidity Coke isn’t just sugary; it’s also highly acidic. With a pH of around 2.5 , Coca-Cola is more acidic than coffee and not far off from vinegar. Acid softens and weakens enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Even diet sodas, which don’t contain sugar, still have high acidity that can wear down enamel. 3. Stains and Discoloration The dark color of Coca-Cola ca...

Smile With Confidence | Clear Aligners Near Me

 A confident smile can open doors, spark connections, and leave lasting impressions. Yet, for many people, crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can hold them back from showing their smile with pride. The good news? Today’s modern dentistry offers a discreet, effective solution— clear aligners . Why Your Smile Matters Your smile isn’t just about looks—it’s about confidence. Studies have shown that people who smile often are perceived as more approachable, trustworthy, and successful. But if you feel self-conscious about your teeth , you may find yourself covering your mouth or holding back from fully expressing joy. That’s where clear aligners step in to make a difference. The Benefits of Clear Aligners Clear aligners are custom-made trays that gently move your teeth into their ideal positions over time. Unlike traditional braces, they’re nearly invisible and can be removed when you eat, brush, or floss. Here’s why they’re such a popular choice: Discreet Treatment – Str...

Importance of Oral Health & Hygiene | Dental Health Best Practices

 When people think about staying healthy, they often focus on diet, exercise, or regular medical checkups. But oral health is just as important to your overall well-being. A healthy smile is more than just about looks—it’s a reflection of your body’s overall health. Why Oral Health Matters Your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory systems, and it’s home to countless bacteria—most harmless, but some that can cause disease. Without good oral hygiene , harmful bacteria can grow, leading to infections, tooth decay , gum disease, and even systemic issues throughout the body. Research has shown strong connections between poor oral health and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. Simply put: taking care of your mouth helps take care of your whole body. Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene Prevents Cavities & Tooth Loss – Daily brushing and flossing help remove plaque, the sticky film that leads to decay an...

Access to Dental Care | Dental Appointment Near Me

 A growing dental care crisis in the U.S. is pushing oral health to a tipping point. Nearly 27% of adults lack dental insurance —nearly triple the percentage of those without medical coverage. Low Medicaid reimbursement rates and the continued separation of dentistry from general health insurance have created deep access gaps, especially in underserved communities. At LADD Dental Group , we believe everyone deserves access to quality, compassionate dental care —and we are committed to being part of the solution. Here are a few ways we are working to break down barriers and improve access: ✅ Accepting Medicaid & State Programs – Unlike many dental offices , our practices proudly accept Medicaid, ensuring that low-income families and children can still receive preventive and restorative care. ✅ In-House Dental Discount Plan – For patients without insurance, we offer our own membership plan that provides affordable coverage options and discounts on treatment—helping bridge ...

Dental Continuing Education | Dental Growth & Development

 At LADD Dental Group , one of our greatest strengths lies in the dedication our providers have to continuous learning and growth. Dentistry is always advancing, and we believe that staying on the cutting edge allows us to serve our patients with the highest level of care. That’s why we are so grateful for Dr. Brett Gilbert and his incredible Access Endo Impact Academy . Our team of dentists recently had the opportunity to learn and grow through Dr. Gilbert’s program, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring. The academy not only provided advanced knowledge in endodontics, but also created a space for collaboration, critical thinking, and clinical confidence. What made the experience even more special was having our providers go through it together. When our dentists can share new skills, learn from one another, and build on the same foundation of continuing education, it elevates the entire group. This sense of shared growth strengthens our team and ultimately benefi...

Dental Imagining Upgrades Required | Windows 10 Support Sunset

  What’s Changing—and When October 14, 2025 marks the official end of support for Windows 10, meaning Microsoft will no longer provide security patches, feature updates, or technical assistance. A one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available, extending updates until October 13, 2026 for eligible devices—either via payment (approx. $30 per device for consumers, potentially escalating for businesses) or through enrollment using Microsoft accounts or Rewards points. Key Impacts on Dental Practices & Imaging Equipment 1. Security Vulnerabilities & HIPAA Compliance Dental offices handle sensitive patient data. Unsupported OS = extremely high risk . Without security patches, these systems become prime targets for malware and ransomware. Moreover, dental practices that store Protected Health Information (PHI) must comply with HIPAA. Systems running an unsupported OS could render the practice non-compliant, bringing legal and financial penalties. ...