Westside Dental Associates

Expert Los Angeles Implant Dentist

June 24, 2015

If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implant replacement might be your best smile restoration option. Unlike traditional crown and bridge or partial and full denture replacement, dental implants are permanent and the look and feel just like your natural teeth. At Westside Dental Associates, are staff is dedicated to providing you the most relaxing, comfortable dental treatment possible. From our warm, welcoming front desk staff and waiting are to headphones and blankets for your comfort during procedures, we are committed to providing outstanding oral health care. Our dental implant therapies are no exception. Dr. Les Latner is an experienced and knowledgeable implant dentist, and he can accurately determine whether you will be a successful candidate for implants and provide safe effective implant placement. If you are missing one or more teeth, don’t just replace them, restore them with dental implants from Westside Dental Associates your Los Angeles dental leader. Call to schedule an appointment today.

Importance of Tooth Replacement

As we grow, our teeth grow with us. When a tooth is lost due to trauma, decay or gum disease, replacement is essential to maintain the bite we formed as we grew. Left untreated, missing teeth can have numerous adverse effects. The empty socket allows the rest of your teeth to shift. Often referred to as dental drift, this movement in your teeth can undo years of orthodontic straightening, or damage smiles that were naturally straight and evenly spaced. The gap in your teeth can also change the shape of your face over time making it more difficult to speak clearly and effecting your appearance. All of this can is treatable through traditional tooth replacement methods.

One hidden side effect of tooth loss that can’t be remedied with traditional tooth replacement is loss of gum tissue and jawbone density. Your gum tissue is shaped by the root of your tooth. Without a root, the gum tissue deteriorates. Bones require stimulation to maintain their density. As we go through the motions of our daily lives, our bones are stimulated by motion as we walk, sit, stand, and exercise. The same is true of our jawbone. It is stimulated by the interaction with our teeth. Without that stimulation, much like the bone density loss found in people who are bed bound, our jawbone begins to breakdown. This loss of bone density can lead to painful chewing, swallowing and talking. Loss of density puts patients at greater risk for illnesses like TMJ and obstructive sleep apnea as your face and neck shape changes due to bone loss.

The Dental Implant Difference

Implants are unique because they replace not just the visibly parts of your teeth. Dental implants are inserted below the gum line to replace teeth from the roots up. The implant is made from durable titanium that mimics the way your root supports your teeth and gums and helps maintain gum tissue and bone density. This is especially important the more teeth you need to replace. If you need several teeth in a row or a full arch replaced, you will not receive an implant to replace every tooth, but the implants that support your bridge, partial or full denture support gum tissue and jawbone density happen frequently with traditional bridges, partials and dentures.

This unique tooth replacement option does require a large time commitment. You’ll need to have at least 3 office visits to examine, implant and replace your teeth. During your first visit, Dr. Latner will examine your bite to determine whether you are a good candidate for implants. If Dr. Latner and you decide this is a good option, you will develop a customized treatment plan to restore your smile. On the second visit, Dr. Latner will place the implants outlined in your treatment plan below your gum line, and affix temporary, plastic replacement teeth. After you receive your implants, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for the implants to full heal and fuse with your jawbone. This process called osseointegration is why dental implants help to retain gum tissue and bone density, and because your implant fuses with the jawbone, your replacement teeth are permanent. They function just like your natural teeth, and have very little or none of the slipping, cleaning, or replacement hassles of traditional dentures.

Once your dental implants have fused, they are ready to anchor your custom milled dental prosthetic. The replacement teeth are built to replicate your tooth’s natural shape and size. The porcelain material even retains the same inherent gleam that you may notice as light reflects off your smile. Your replacement teeth are permanently attached to the titanium implants, and with proper oral hygiene and regular dental examinations, dental implants will last a lifetime.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

The innovative dental implant procedures are an effective method for restoring many smiles. However, some patients may not be healthy enough for the treatment, or may not have enough jawbone density to support an implant. There’s no way to know for sure except to visit our office for a dental implant consultation with Dr. Latner. Reap the benefits of Dr. Latner’s years of dental implant experience, and find out of implant replacement is right for you at West Side Dental Associates of Los Angeles. Still have some questions, use our “ask the doctor” tool to find out more information before your appointment. Call to schedule your consultation today. Our conveniently located Los Angeles practice welcomes patients from Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Burbank and beyond.

Combat Gum Recession With State-of-the-Art Treatment

June 19, 2015

If you or anyone you know has ever suffered from gum recession, you know just how debilitating this disease can be. In the past, the only way to correct this issue was by using connective tissue grafts. This complex procedure involved two surgical sites combined with a very long recovery period. The results were successful, but the pain and discomfort patients had to endure was too much to bear. Thank goodness for the 21st century and the great advancements that have been made. Now, there is treatment that can help you cope with gum recession — Pinhole Surgical Technique. What makes this system so great is it doesn’t use incisions or sutures. Simply put, it’s the finest gum surgery available at our office in Los Angeles, CA. Your gum line could use a little love, and Dr. Latner is the guy who can restore your gums back to normal.
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Porcelain Veneers in Los Angeles a Perfect Smile for a Happier You

May 30, 2015

Porcelain Veneers Perfect Your Smile for a Happier You

Celebrity smiles are flawless. Maybe it’s Photoshop, but there’s another celebrity secret to flawless teeth that anyone can take advantage of: porcelain veneers. There’s no need to frown in family photos to hide stained, chipped, misaligned, or oddly spaced teeth anymore. Porcelain Veneers are durable, comfortable and best of all, stain resistant. So your perfect, dazzling smile will last. If you want to be picture perfect for your next photo op, contact the porcelain veneer experts at Westside Dental in Los Angeles.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are a thin, natural looking tooth restorations that can give anyone a picture perfect smile. Veneers are custom made and fitted, and patients report veneers feeling no different than their natural teeth. When you don’t feel good about your smile, it’s hard to feel good about yourself. Veneers can create a smile that will increase your self-esteem and overall happiness.

The Process

veneers After you make the decision to restore your smile with porcelain veneers, Dr. Latner and his dedicated cosmetic dentistry staff in West LA will examine your teeth and discuss the look and feel of your porcelain veneers. Dr. Latner will plan an individualized veneer to fit your smile, taking into consideration size, shape, color and bite. Using his specifications, the veneers will be custom-created in a lab.

When your veneers return from our lab, Dr. Latner will securely place them with a bonding resin. The finishing touch is polishing your veneers to a smooth, shiny finish that perfectly compliments your smile. A highly trained cosmetic dentist, Dr. Latner is your best option for porcelain veneers and all other cosmetic dentistry in West LA.

When you don’t want to smile, it’s harder to stay positive. With porcelain veneers, you can change your entire outlook, and change the way that your friends and family see you. With porcelain veneers, your smile with be the best and brightest in every photo, and you can feel good about the way you look from day one.

Consultation

Don’t be the only person without a smile in your next family photo. Porcelain veneers are the comfortable, beautiful solution to a perfect smile. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Latner, a skilled cosmetic dentist who can help you smile more. Our West Los Angeles, CA dental practice is the best cosmetic dentistry option in Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

Safe and Experienced Sedation Dentist in Los Angeles

May 23, 2015

When you think about making a visit to the dentist, do your palms sweat, does your heart pound, do you think you’d rather do almost anything else? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from dental anxiety, but a dental visit doesn’t have to cause you anxiety. Talk to the staff at Westside Dental today about Sedation Dentistry option.

Safe, Experienced Sedation Dentist in Los Angeles, CA

Do you avoid going to the dentist? Would you rather live with the pain of an infected tooth or gums than schedule an appointment? You’re not the only one. An estimated 40 million people suffer from some level of dental anxiety. Dr. Latner and his expert staff are here to help you have a better experience. You don’t have to live with this anxiety anymore. Call Westside Dental in Los Angeles today to find out more about how sedation dentistry can help you.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are a variety of options and levels of sedation dentistry. Sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry” this is a bit of a misnomer since only patients under general anesthesia are actually asleep. Dr. Latner offers sedation dentistry that combines two types of oral conscious sedation: sedative administration and nitrous oxide.

Sedation dentistry isn’t just for those with dental anxiety. It also allows dentists to perform multiple dental treatments in a limited number of appointments. There are four levels of dental sedation: minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia. While all of these sedation techniques are beneficial to dental health and patient and well being, Dr. Latner has developed a unique form of oral conscious sedation that works well for even the most anxious patients.

Dr. Latner’s Sedation Technique

Dr. Latner’s unique sedation method provides minimal to moderate sedation. Minimal sedation or traditional Oral Conscious Sedation is achieved through patients taking a sedative upon arrival at their visit. As the sedative takes effect and you become more relaxed, Dr. Latner is able to perform necessary dental procedures with less stress.

Moderate sedation is typically achieved when patients inhale Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas, they enter a state of increased peace and tranquility. While you remain aware of your surroundings, Dr. Latner is able to perform necessary dental treatments without added stress.

Dr. Latner achieved his certification in sedation dentistry while completing his residency at Children’s Hospital. They are a respected institute known for training dentists in all levels of dental practice. Dr. Latner has the experience and knowledge to offer you the best sedation dentistry experience in Los Angeles.

At Your Visit

sedation When you arrive at the office, Dr. Latner will provide you with a mild, oral sedative. As the sedative begins to set in, one of Dr. Latner’s professional, friendly staff members will be at your side to help you in any way from grabbing a blanket to explaining the affects of the sedative.

After the sedative begins to work, Dr. Latner will administer Nitrous Oxide. As you breathe in and out, relaxation will increase. Dr. Latner is able to safely provide the optimal relaxation. While you will never lose consciousness, many patients report not remembering their appointment later.

You will need a friend or family member to drive you home from the appointment, but the side effects of oral conscious sedation are minimal and diminish quickly so you can be yourself again faster. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within 24 hours of sedation.

Find Out More

Don’t spend one more day avoiding the dentist due to fear, anxiety or stress. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Latner. The longer you wait, the higher your risk for adverse side effects of your dental health concerns. We’re here to help you overcome your fear in a safe, comfortable environment close to home. Our West Los Angeles, CA dental practice also serves reluctant patients in Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

Westside Dental the Invisalign Dentist in Los Angeles

May 16, 2015

Want a beautiful smile without the pain and hassle of traditional braces? Invisalign might be your best option. The experts at West Side Dental in Los Angeles are waiting to help you create a smile you’re proud of.

Los Angeles’ Expert Invisalign Clear Braces Dentist

We all want to look our best and that starts with our smile. If you’ve been hiding your smile because you don’t want to display misaligned teeth and avoided braces because you’re worried a mouth full of metal won’t look any better, setting up a consultation with Westside Dental’s Orthodontic team to discuss Invisalign clear braces should be your next stop. The premier Los Angeles clear braces provider, and the expert orthodontic team will provide you with a custom plan to get your smile perfect in twelve months without the added pain and embarrassment of traditional braces.

Invisaling Vs. Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have numerous drawbacks that lead people to avoid straightening their teeth. Metal braces hurt, they keep you from eating your favorite foods, and they make you look like a teenager. There is an easier way to perfect your smile: Invisalign.

Invisalign clear braces are guaranteed to straighten your teeth in less time, with less pain. Most patients have completed their Invisalign straightening within a year. The custom-fitted alignment trays are easier and less painful than the metal braces that need to be tightened and are notoriously painful. The clear plastic alignment trays gently and comfortably straighten your teeth. No need to tighten metal wires, just switch to a new alignment tray every two weeks.

The old hassles of cutting gum and popcorn and apples out of your diet and spending extra time brushing between meals and cleaning food out of the braces are completely forgotten with Invisalign. Simply remove your tray during meals, snacks and cleanings. Then, reinsert after to continue your alignment without changing your routine. Most importantly, never miss a photo op. With Invisalign you’ll have a perfect smile from start to finish. Forget the mouth full of metal, and smile for the camera thanks to clear braces.

Westside Dental Your Invisalign Dentist

As one of the pioneer Invisalign providers, Dr. Latner and the Westside Dental team have years of experience providing patients with high quality, custom clear braces to help you straighten out your smile quickly, painlessly, and effortlessly. Using cutting edge digital imaging, Dr. Latner provides his patients with a unique treatment plan for your best smile. Don’t put off being your best self for one more day. Call us to set up your initial consultation with the West Los Angeles, CA dental practice that proudly serves patients from throughout the surrounding areas, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

The Los Angeles Dentures Specialists at Westside Dental are Here to Help

May 9, 2015

Do you need new or better dentures? Want to find out more about what types of dentures are available to you? A visit to Westside Dental Los Angeles is in order.

Great Denture Options from the Best Cosmetic Dentist in Los Angeles

Dr. Latner and the wonderful team at Westside Dental in Los Angeles are ready to offer you dentures that look natural, feel natural, and hold up under the pressures of every day use. Because they’re serious about providing the best denture options for each patient, Westside Dental offers 3 types of dentures: Traditional Dentures, Implant-Retained Dentures and Mini Implant Dentures. Whether you think you may need dentures soon or you’re ready for a denture upgrade, Dr. Latner is waiting for your call.

Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures are used to replace full sets of teeth on the top or bottom jaw or multiple teeth on the same arch. Full sets of dentures are secured with adhesive or natural suction. For individual tooth replacement, the dentures are connected to the surrounding teeth.

Some complications that arise from traditional dentures are slippage and the necessity for dentures to be readjusted as gum tissue and bones shrink overtime making it necessary for dentures to be adjusted numerous times.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Implant-Retained Dentures are unique in that they keep your dentures more securely in place by connecting them to the gums through permanent metal connection implants. There are numerous ways to create implant dentures, and Dr. Latner will create a unique plan to fit your oral health needs.

Mini Implant Dentures

In some cases where just a few teeth are missing, mini implants or posts are an option for retaining dentures. Mini implants are a good option for patients who have lost numerous teeth, but not enough for a full replacement. By attaching the teeth to dental implants rather than surrounding teeth, the risk of increased tooth decay due to difficulty cleaning between the teeth is lowered, and more jawbone density is retained. Mini implants can improve overall dental health for many patients.

Both Implant-Reatined and Mini Implant dentures require a certain amount of bone tissue in order to integrate the implants into your jawline through a process called osseointegration. Through osseointegration, the metals supports fuse with your own jaw or cheekbones allowing dentures to be attached more securely and feel more like your own teeth.

Why Wait?

If you are interested in any of Dr. Latner’s denture options, contact us to set up a consultation. Your dental health should not have to wait one more day. Our West Los Angeles, CA dental practice proudly serves patients from Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

Achieve the Flawless Smile of Your Dreams with Porcelain Veneers

April 28, 2015

If a picture is supposedly worth a thousand words, how much is a smile worth? If you feel confident about the appearance of your teeth and enjoy sharing your smile with others, then it’s likely worth quite a bit. If your teeth are cosmetically flawed, however, you may prefer to keep your smile to yourself. At the cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Les Latner in Los Angeles, CA, men and women seeking radiant, picture-perfect smiles are invited to explore the possibilities afforded by porcelain veneers.

Advantages of Custom Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, beautifully crafted shells of dental porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are capable of correcting a wide variety of cosmetic flaws simultaneously, transforming your smile in as few as two visits to our office. Due to their material composition, porcelain veneers look and feel completely natural, even reflecting light in the same way that tooth enamel does.

Porcelain veneers are used to create an even, symmetrical, and flawless look, masking one or more of the following imperfections:

Cracks or chips in enamel
Deep stains and discoloration
Uneven spacing or gaps
Mild to moderate crowding or misalignment
Teeth that are misshapen or too small in relation to surrounding teeth

Because porcelain naturally resists stains caused by dark foods and beverages, you’ll never have to worry about losing your revitalized new look.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

If you’ve been looking for a way to add vitality to your smile and your overall appearance, porcelain veneers might be the perfect solution for you. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Latner, and see for yourself how easy it can be to transform your smile with porcelain veneers. Our West Los Angeles, CA dental practice proudly services men and women from throughout the surrounding areas, including Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

Understanding and Treating TMJ Disorder with Dr. Les Latner

April 19, 2015

Do you often wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or a persistent headache? Do you experience stiffness in your muscles throughout your neck, shoulders, and back? These are among the most common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. Left untreated, this condition can lead to further damage to the joints that hinge your jaw to your skull, causing even more pain and limited jaw movement. At the Los Angeles, CA dental practice of Dr. Les Latner, finally find relief from chronic TMJ pain.

TMJ Disorder Treatment for Jaw Pain

The delicate, triangular structures in your jaw joint are susceptible to damage from a variety of sources, but the two most common causes of TMJ disorder are trauma and jaw clenching. When these joints are misaligned or out of balance with the rest of the muscles and ligaments in the face, head, and neck, the result is TMJ pain. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

Jaw becomes stuck or locked in an open or closed position
Facial tenderness or pain
A clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth
Pain in the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back
Frequent headaches
Trouble chewing
Facial swelling
Earaches and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

With TMJ therapy, Dr. Latner can help you return to a state of comfort and overall well-being, all without invasive treatment or surgery. Patients who have suffered from jaw pain for years are amazed at the difference they feel following treatment.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t spend another day in chronic pain; contact us today to learn more about how Dr. Latner can alleviate your TMJ disorder symptoms. We sincerely look forward to serving you and your family at our Los Angeles, CA dental office, your premier destination for general, preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. We are also happy to serve communities in Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

Stop Snoring & Protect Your Health with Sleep Apnea Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

April 12, 2015

While most will agree that snoring can be a nuisance, the lesser known implications of this noisy nighttime breathing may be more serious than a common annoyance. In fact, excessive snoring is among the most common symptoms of a potentially life-threatening condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. At the Los Angeles, CA dental practice of Dr. Les Latner, you can discover real relief from snoring as well as sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance.

The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea

When a person has sleep apnea, their breathing is repeatedly interrupted throughout the course of the night, often causing a severe reduction in blood oxygen levels. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to the following health complications:

High blood pressure
Pulmonary hypertension
Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Stroke
Heart failure
Atrial fibrillation
Chronic daytime fatigue, which may result in accidents behind the wheel or at work
Depression and anxiety
Seizures and other nerve disorders

Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive method of treating sleep apnea: a custom oral appliance that is worn only at night. The oral splint keeps your jaw and tongue in their proper positions, keeping the airway open. Finally, you can enjoy a truly restful night of sleep and more energized mornings.

Explore Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you or someone in your family suffers from obstructive sleep apnea and you’d like to learn more about treatment, please call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Latner. We look forward to helping you discover the innumerable benefits of sleep apnea treatment, including everything from snoring cessation to a reduced risk of disease. Our West LA dental office warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

Oral Cancer Screening: The Simple Test that Saves Lives

April 2, 2015

Approximately 43,250 men and women in America will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year alone, and only about half of them will survive to see 2020. This is because oral cancer is most often undetectable in its earliest stages, when the disease is most successfully treated. Instead, it is allowed to progress and develop, claiming another life every hour, 24 hours a day. Fortunately, Dr. Les Latner offers oral cancer screening in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas, giving his patients a clear advantage when it comes to early detection and timely treatment.

What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?

An oral cancer screening and a biopsy is the only certain way to accurately diagnose the disease, but there are certain symptoms you can keep in mind and watch for between visits to our office. The most common signs of oral cancer include:

A sore in the mouth that bleeds and/or doesn’t heal within two weeks
A thickening of tissue in the cheek lining or under the tongue (may or may not be painful)
Whitish or red patches anywhere in the mouth
Persistent hoarseness and difficulty swallowing
Pain or difficulty in moving the tongue
Numbness or tingling

If you notice any of these symptoms or any other abnormalities, contact us right away to schedule your oral cancer screening. We will always take the time to discuss the status of your oral health with you in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand.

Schedule Your Screening Today

If it has been more than six months since your last dental checkup, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today to schedule your next visit. Dr. Latner and his team look forward to welcoming you to our state-of-the-art dental practice in Los Angeles, CA. With a variety of general and preventive dentistry services, including oral cancer screening, Dr. Latner can help you preserve your oral health as well as your overall wellness. Our family-friendly dental office warmly welcomes patients from throughout West LA, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.