Dr. Les Latner, Sedation Dentist in Los Angeles

August 20, 2015

woman realaxed at the sedation dentist  Dr Les Latner Los AngelesI’ve worked on a lot of teeth over the past thirty-plus years.Yes, I’ve seen (literally) millions of them, and dealt with a number of oral problems. I’ve helped care for the mouths of everyone from linebackers on the UCLA Bruins football team to your neighborhood paper boy. In this process, I’ve learned that we all have a few things in common. We all feel the desire for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. We also all share a fear of the dentist.
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Gum Disease Therapy form the Dentist Los Angeles, CA Trusts

July 20, 2015

Woman suffering from toothache

Some leve of periodontal (gum) disease affects nearly 80% of adults over 30 in the United States. It has been called an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, many patients still aren’t aware of the number of people affected by this preventable disease. In order to prevent periodontal disease visit the Los Angeles, CA dental practice of Dr. Les Latner twice a year, brush twice a day, and floss at least once a day. If you are currently suffering from periodontal disease or believe you might be, call Westside Dental Associates to schedule an appointment today. Early treatment can help prevent more detrimental effects associated with gum disease including tooth sensitivity.

Gum Disease Causes & Symptoms

Our bodies are made up of numerous interconnected systems that work together to maintain health. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria beneath and around the gums. When sugary or starchy foods come in contact with the bacterial build up they become acidic. These acids are typically neutralized by basal nutrients from saliva, but when the amount of saliva produced is unable to neutralize the acids potential for tooth decay and gum disease increases.

When plaque and tartar build up below the gum line, the gums can become irritated or inflamed. This is a condition commonly referred to as gingivitis. When not treated by a dentist, gingivitis is difficult to get rid of because the buildup below the gums cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing alone. Eventually, the buildup of tartar can lead to periodontitis the more serious form of gum disease. The irritation and inflammation of gingivitis develop into pockets of infection that can destroy the fibers and bone that connect your teeth to the gums. Eventually, infection can lead to the recession of gum tissue which exposes the roots of teeth to damaging plaque and other debris.

Gum Disease & Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is not always caused by gum disease, but periodontitis leads to tooth sensitivity for several reasons. Gum disease and the related infection expose your tooth enamel to bacteria that can cause damage, gum recession that exposes the roots of teeth which contain sensitive nerves, and the pockets of infection can cause your teeth to loosen and shift.

Teeth exposed to the bacterial infection associated with gum disease for an extended period of time are more likely to decay. Decaying teeth are sensitive to hot and cold, become painful or uncomfortable while chewing, and may begin to ache constantly. Gum recession occurs when periodontitis breaks down the fibers connecting teeth and gums. When this happens, gums often shift upwards exposing more of the roots of teeth. These roots contain the sensitive nerves and increased or prolonged exposure causes tooth sensitivity especially to heat and cold. Finally, the breakdown of fibers that connect teeth and gums and connect your teeth to your jawbone allow teeth to shift within the socket. This shifting can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain when chewing.

Call to Schedule a Checkup and Cleaning with Your Dentist, Los Angeles

At every six month checkup, you will receive a thorough oral health examination that includes a screening for periodontal disease. As many of the early indicators of gum disease go unnoticed by those suffering from the disease, regular checkups are essential to early treatment. Our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums removing plaque, tartar and calculus that can lead to gum disease over time. With regular checkups and thorough at-home care, gum disease is almost entirely preventable. Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Latner and the Westside Dental Associates team today.

Your Los Angeles Pediatric Dentist – Dr. Les Latner

June 25, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-178845072 (1)If you’ve ever asked a child to help you clean up, you may have noticed that they’re not so great at it. Teaching children how to care for their dental hygiene is not easy. At Westside Dental Associates, we emphasize regular checkups and teeth cleanings for our younger visitors, as well as providing oral hygiene education. In Los Angeles, Dr. Les Lanter is the dentist you can trust to care for the whole family. If you need pediatric, general, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles, call to schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Latner Knows Children’s Teeth

Every smile is different, and our smiles change during throughout our lives. Caring for children’s teeth presents different obstacles than adult treatment. Dr. Latner completed a two year dental residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. While he has become a leader in esthetic dentistry and names general dentistry as his passion, there no denying his years of hand on training make him an ideal pediatric dentist as well.

Why Teeth Cleanings Matter

Because of his years of training and experience, Dr. Latner full understand the unique needs of children from the time their primary (baby) teeth begin to emerge, through loss of primary teeth, and development of permanent (adult) teeth. One of the best ways to help your child retain healthy primary teeth is to schedule regular dental hygiene visits every six months. We all know that children are still learning to be effective cleaners. You can’t count on them to do a better job cleaning their teeth than they do making their bed. A thorough cleaning by our outstanding hygienists, and a reminder about at home care tips is essential in build a child’s oral health.

Because primary teeth are weaker than permanent teeth, they are more susceptible to caries (cavities). At regular cleanings, the bacteria on your child’s tooth is thoroughly removed just like your own teeth cleaning. Additionally, primary teeth are checked thoroughly for signs of decay, or problem areas. Sealants and fluoride treatments can also be applied to offer your child additional protection.

Keeping primary teeth strong is more important than you might think. Baby teeth, like adult teeth, help your child to chew, but they are also important as children develop speech. Our teeth allow us to speak clearly. Children whose primary teeth do not develop well, are more likely to have impeded speech. Caring for primary teeth also lays the ground work for healthy adult teeth. If your child’s primary teeth and gums are healthy, they will prepare the way for healthier adult teeth.

Find Out More

If you’re interested in learning more about the outstanding family dentistry offered by Dr. Latner and the knowledgeable Westside Dental Associates team, our convenient “ask the doctor” tool allows you to gather information between visits. Call our Las Angeles practice to schedule an appointment. Westside Dental Associates welcomes patients from surrounding areas including Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Burbank.

Expert Los Angeles Implant Dentist

June 24, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-519555723If 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.

Achieve the Flawless Smile of Your Dreams with Porcelain Veneers

April 28, 2015

476106489If 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

462039415Do 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

147352006While 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

ThinkstockPhotos-178361153Approximately 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.

April is National Stress Awareness Month! Alleviate Stress Induced Bruxism with a Custom Nightguard in West LA

March 28, 2015

185983980Do you struggle with uncontrolled teeth grinding (bruxism)? Each April, dental and health care professionals across the country join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures of the modern stress epidemic. For dentists, there is a particular responsibility to help patients understand the stress induced habit of nightly teeth grinding, and the negative effects it can have on your dental health. Untreated teeth grinding can result in the fracturing, loosening, or complete loss of your natural teeth. Bruxism not only damages teeth and causes tooth loss, but can also affect your jaw joints, resulting in hearing problems and TMJ disorder, or even changes to your facial features. Don’t let stress induced bruxism rob you of your oral and overall health. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates for a custom nightguard to alleviate your stress induced bruxism symptoms today. Dr. Latner delivers patient centered care daily throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the surrounding communities.

What Is Stress Induced Bruxism?

Bruxism is a chronic condition in which you unconsciously grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. The grinding can occur while you’re awake or asleep. If you clench or grind your teeth during sleep, you are likely to have other sleep disorders as well, such as sleep apnea. Mild bruxism may not require treatment, however, bruxism can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth, and other health problems in some patients.

Do You Suffer From Stressed Induced Bruxism?

While the exact cause of bruxism is not completely known; daily stress can trigger the condition in many patients. It’s estimated that almost 70% of bruxism is stress or anxiety induced. Whether or not bruxism causes pain and other problems may be a complicated mix of factors including poor posture, stress coping abilities, diet, and sleeping habits.

West LA Stress Induced Bruxism Treatment Appointments

If you suffer from stress induced bruxism, Dr. Latner can create a custom fitted nightguard or bite splint to prevent bruxism related tooth damage and alleviate pressure on your jaw joints and facial muscles during sleep. Be proactive with your health and wellness in 2015 and schedule a bruxism treatment appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner is a trusted family dentist, now proudly serving patients of all ages daily throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the neighboring areas.

Tooth Strengthening Restorative Dentistry with Porcelain Inlays and Onlays in West LA

March 22, 2015

121353097Do you need to repair a damaged or decayed tooth? If so, you should consider restorative treatment with porcelain inlays and onlays. Porcelain inlays and onlays are a conservative alternative to traditional dental crowns. Also known as indirect fillings, they offer custom fitted, stronger, and longer lasting reparative solutions for tooth decay and damage. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive and healthy tooth restoration method, make your next restorative dentistry appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today.  Dr. Latner delivers quality restorative care daily throughout West Los Angeles and the surrounding communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

What are Porcelain Inlays and Onlays, and How Do They Restore Teeth?

Porcelain inlays and onlays have both cosmetic and functional benefits. Inlays and onlays are made of tooth colored porcelain and can be used in place of traditional dental fillings and crowns to treat tooth decay and trauma. Dental fillings have to be molded into place but porcelain inlays and onlays are fabricated indirectly in a dental lab before being fitted and bonded to your tooth. Inlays describe restorations that are bonded within the center of a tooth. Onlays describe restorations that require the inclusion of one or more points of the tooth or the full coverage of the tooth’s biting surface.

Why Choose Restorative Dentistry with Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?

  • Inlays and onlays are conservative and preserve more healthy tooth structure
  • Inlays and onlays do not discolor over time
  • Your teeth will be easier to clean with inlays and onlays
  • Inlays and onlays are better at sealing teeth to keep out bacteria
  • Inlays and onlays are extremely stable
  • An onlay can protect the weakest areas of a damaged tooth

West LA Restorative Dentistry Appointments

Dental fillings can reduce the strength of your natural teeth, but porcelain inlays and onlays can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%. To protect and preserve your natural teeth, make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today.  Dr. Latner is a highly qualified restorative dentist, now proudly serving families daily throughout West Los Angeles and the surrounding communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

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