Ladd Dental Group

 For many patients, a dental cleaning can bring feelings of stress, anxiety, or even fear. Whether it’s the sounds, the sensations, or past experiences, these emotions are real—and they matter. That’s why at LADD Dental Group , we’ve made it a priority to redefine what a dental visit feels like. Our goal is simple: create an environment where patients feel calm, safe, and genuinely cared for from the moment they walk through our doors. One of the most meaningful ways we accomplish this? Through the comforting presence of our dental support dog. Understanding Dental Anxiety Dental anxiety is more common than most people realize. It can range from mild nervousness to severe fear that prevents patients from seeking care altogether. Unfortunately, avoiding routine cleanings often leads to bigger oral health issues down the road. That’s why creating a positive, stress-free experience isn’t just about comfort—it’s about helping patients stay consistent with their oral health and p...

 What’s the Difference Between a Regular Teeth Cleaning and a Deep Teeth Cleaning ? Regular Cleaning (Prophy): Designed for healthy gums . Focuses on cleaning plaque and tartar above the gums . Helps prevent future problems. Usually covered 100% by insurance as a preventive service. Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing): Recommended if you have gum disease (red, swollen, bleeding gums or bone loss). Cleans below the gums , where bacteria and tartar build up and damage bone. Smoother roots help your gums heal and reattach. Considered a treatment , not just prevention, so insurance may not cover it fully. Why does a deep cleaning cost more? Takes more treatment time . Requires special tools and skills to clean under the gums. Billed by quadrant of the mouth instead of one flat fee. ✨ Think of it this way: A regular teeth cleaning is like a car wash — keeps the outside looking good. A deep teeth cleaning is like a full detail —...

Here’s a clear breakdown of the difference between a standard cleaning (prophylaxis) and a deep cleaning ( scaling and root planing , SRP) , and why the costs are so different: Standard Cleaning ( Prophy ) Purpose: Preventive care for patients with generally healthy gums and no significant bone loss. What it includes: Removal of soft plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from above the gumline and slightly below. Polishing of teeth to remove surface stains. Who it’s for: People who come in for regular 6-month cleanings and don’t have periodontal (gum) disease. Time & effort: Usually 30–60 minutes, less invasive, typically performed by a hygienist . Insurance: Most dental insurances cover it 100% as a preventive service. Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing, SRP) Purpose: Treatment of gum disease (periodontitis) where tartar, plaque, and bacteria have collected deep below the gumline and caused gum detachment or bone loss. What it incl...

 Maintaining good dental hygiene goes far beyond having a bright, white smile—it plays a crucial role in your overall health. Regular teeth cleanings , paired with good at-home oral care, are a cornerstone of dental wellness. Let’s dive into the benefits of routine cleanings and why it's important to stay on top of your dental hygiene . 1. Preventing Tooth Decay and Cavities One of the primary benefits of professional teeth cleanings is the prevention of tooth decay and cavities. Plaque, the sticky substance that forms on your teeth, is the main culprit behind decay. Over time, it can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing. A dental hygienist has the tools and expertise to effectively remove plaque and tartar, reducing your risk of cavities. 2. Gum Disease Prevention Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can lead to serious dental problems if left untreated. It starts with gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that can caus...

 A quality teeth cleaning , typically performed by a dental hygienist , involves several key steps to ensure thorough removal of plaque, tartar, and stains, as well as an overall assessment of oral health. Here’s what’s usually involved: 1. Oral Exam Assessment: Before the cleaning begins, the hygienist will examine your mouth using a small mirror to check for signs of inflamed gums, cavities, or other potential issues. They may take x-rays if necessary to get a clearer view of your teeth and gums. 2. Scaling (Plaque and Tartar Removal) Manual Tools/Ultrasonic Scaler: Plaque and tartar are removed from the surface of the teeth and around the gumline. Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed with special tools. The hygienist will use either manual scalers or an ultrasonic tool with vibration and water spray to loosen the deposits. 3. Polishing Gritty Toothpaste: After scaling, the teeth are polished with a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste, designed...

  Dental Hygiene | Dental Hygiene Near Me   Dental (oral) hygiene is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other problems by regular brushing of the teeth and cleaning between the teeth . It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease and bad breath.  What is a dental hygienist    A dental hygienist or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional , registered with a dental association or regulatory body within their country of practice. A dental hygienist   uses a variety of tools and techniques to remove tartar, stains, and plaque from  teeth , improving their patients'  dental  health by preventing cavities and tooth loss while simultaneously helping them achieve the bright, beautiful smile that they want, while helping the patient to maintain their overall health.   What procedures do a dental hygienist perform Clinical  procedur...

 Dental Health | Love Your Smile  What Does Good Dental Health Look Like:   Normally the body's natural defenses and  good  oral  health  care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Good dental health also includes regularly visiting your dentist , and staying up to date with dental cleanings .  What Does a Healthy Mouth Look Like:   Healthy  gums  should look  pink and firm, not red and swollen. To keep gums  healthy , practice  good ora l  hygiene. Brush your  teeth  at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day, see your  dentist  regularly, and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.  What Does Good Oral Hygiene Look Like:  Brushing thoroughly twice a day a...

  Teeth Cleaning | Teeth Cleaning Near Me   Why is having your teeth cleaned at least two times per year important?    The ADA  recommends that you get  your teeth cleaned at least twice a year  if  your teeth  and gums are relatively healthy.  A   dental   cleaning  addresses  the  natural buildup  of  plaque  in your teeth , which happens naturally even if you follow excellent oral hygiene practices.  During a  cleaning , tartar is removed from the patient's  teeth , and that helps to prevent  tooth  decay. The removal of tartar also improves the appearance of the person's  teeth .  Getting your  teeth cleaned  and polished not only gives  you  a great smile, but  it  also prevents future decay and gum disease. Getting your  teeth cleaned every  six  months  gives your  dental  team a chance to exam...

Teeth Cleaning | Teeth Cleaning Near Me    Benefits of Teeth Cleaning   There are a ton of benefits to getting your teeth cleaned at least two times per year. Because  getting your teeth cleaned  twice a year helps prevent gum disease, it can also reduce  your  chances of potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes. During a professional dental  cleaning , it's easy for  your  dentist to detect early signs of problems such as broken fillings and fractures.  What Happens When you Receive a Standard Teeth Cleaning (Prophy) Using a small hooked tool called a scaler, the hygienist removes any plaque and tartar from the surface of the  teeth , near the gum line and in between the  teeth . Depending on how much buildup is present, either a manual or ultrasonic scaler is used.   When Should I Have My First Teeth Cleaning   The  first cleaning  usually takes place during the  toddler  years...

Dental Cleaning Vs Soft Tissue Management   Most patients come into the dental office twice a year for a teeth cleaning . However, some patients are told that they need to get a deep cleaning instead, and that they need to see us more often than twice a year.  While a regular teeth cleaning is a routine procedure, it’s important to know that a deep cleaning is very different and is actually a treatment for an oral disease. If you pay attention when you visit the dentist, you may hear our staff and hygienists referring to your appointment as “a prophy”. This is short for “prophylactic”, which is a word that comes from Greek and means “treatment to prevent a disease”. We call a teeth cleaning prophylactic because the purpose of a cleaning is to prevent disease or dental problems in a patient that has otherwise healthy teeth and gums.   A deep cleaning is often referred to as “ soft tissue management ” or “periodontal therapy”. That’s because a deep clea...