Ladd Dental Group

 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 ...