Advanced Care with DIAGNOdent

October 31, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 7:14 am

general dentistryIn our last post, we talked about air abrasion, a unique tool that lets Dr. Les Latner treat decay without needles or a drill. Today, we want to focus on another innovative tool that’s helping us provide patients with forward-thinking care—DIAGNOdent.

As a preventive tool, DIAGNOdent lets Dr. Latner diagnose decay early, before a serious cavity has had a chance to form. It does this using a laser diode to look for weaknesses in the chewing surfaces of teeth.

An exam with DIAGNOdent begins with Dr. Latner taking a reading of healthy enamel, which the rest of your smile will be measured against. If we come across any amount of decay during your exam, this useful tool will make a sound, alerting us to an area that needs our attention.

Why is this beneficial for your oral health? Because treating any oral health issue early on will prevent the need for more invasive care later on.

We recommend that our patients visit us twice a year for regular checkups, including exams with DIAGNOdent. With this kind of regular care, Dr. Latner and his Los Angeles dental team can help you stay a step ahead of one of the most common oral health problems any patient can face.

To experience a checkup with DIAGNOdent, call Dr. Latner’s Los Angeles dental office today for an appointment. We serve patients from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and beyond.

Air Abrasion—An Alternative to Drilling

October 25, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 7:13 am

Many patients avoid care because of a fear of needles or drills. But unique technique is helping Dr. Les Latner deliver care without having to use either. With air abrasion, our Los Angeles dental team can help patients overcome decay simply with a combination of air and a very fine powder.

Air abrasion was made specifically for treating small cavities. The high-powered stream of air and powder emitted by Dr. Latner’s tool will remove slight decay from the chewing surfaces of back teeth so that a white filling can be applied.

Because air abrasion doesn’t use needles or drilling, patients can look forward to a more comfortable, and more relaxing, experience. However, if you’re still nervous about getting treatment for your filling, Dr. Latner can talk to you about oral conscious sedation.

With our wide combination of services, we’re confident we can help you get the important help you need before it requires more invasive care.

Do you have questions about how air abrasion works or whether it’s right for you? Call Westside Dental Associates today for a consultation with Dr. Latner. During your visit, we can help you understand your oral health needs and propose a treatment plan that will help you meet them.

Air abrasion is offered to our patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and beyond.

Plan Your Holiday Care Now

October 23, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Les Latner @ 7:01 am

cosmetic and restorative dentistryYou want to put your best food forward this holiday season, with a beautiful, healthy smile. But for that to happen, you have to give your dentist enough time to plan your care.

Often, transforming a smile takes cosmetic or restorative help. Many services can be completed in one or two visits, but other services will take more time. Maybe you just want a whiter smile, or maybe you need help with an all-porcelain crown or a fixed bridge. Dr. Latner can help you with both in time for the holidays.

We can also help you with orthodontic care through Invisalign and Six Month Smiles. A treatment like these, and dental implants, will take longer to complete, but we can begin the treatment process now so that you can have a gorgeous new smile for next year’s holiday seasons.

Do you have changes you want to make to your smile? Call Westside Dental Associates today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Latner. Beginning with an oral exam, Dr. Latner will talk to you about the changes you’d like to make and help you create a customized treatment plan that will help you meet your goals. If a particular service isn’t right for you, we can help you pinpoint alternatives.

You can start working on your new smile now. Contact us today to set up your first appointment. Dr. Latner provides cosmetic and restorative care to patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and surrounding areas.

Substitute Sugar for Xylitol This Holiday Season

October 18, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 1:56 pm

xylitolAs Halloween and the rest of this year’s holidays get closer, the temptation to indulge in a variety of treats will grow. But sugar, as you know, can negatively affect your oral health.

In today’s post, we want to explain how sugar can cause cavities and let you know about an alternative to sugar that will let you enjoy all of your favorite holiday goodies.

How Sugar Damages Your Smile?

For as long as you’ve been going to the dentist, you’ve been told that sugar is bad for your teeth. But why is that? It’s because of how sugar interacts with your teeth.

When certain bacteria in the mouth come into contact with sugar, a feeding frenzy ensues, leading to the creation of acid. This acid makes it easier for bacteria to cling to teeth and it also weakens tooth enamel, creating cavities.

Xylitol—A Natural Substitute to Sugar

Thankfully, you don’t have to give up on your favorite treats this holiday season. With xylitol, a natural sweetener, you can still enjoy your favorite goodies. That’s because xylitol doesn’t interact with your teeth the way sugar does.

Instead of sparking the production of acid, xylitol creates a neutral environment, in which bacteria have a hard time sticking to teeth. With fewer bacteria in your mouth, you have a decreased chance of developing cavities.

Candy sweetened with xylitol can be found online and in natural food stores. Xylitol can also be used for baking, with a substitution ratio of 1:1.

Do you want to learn more about xylitol and how it can benefit your smile? Call Westside Dental Associates today for an appointment. Dr. Les Latner serves patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA and Mar Vista.

Have Questions? Get Answers.