Restorative Dentistry Archives - Westside Dental Associates https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/category/restorative-dentistry/ Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:16:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 What You Need To Know About Modern Dentures in Los Angeles https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/modern-dentures-los-angeles/ Tue, 26 Jan 2016 09:51:44 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=920 To say I’ve seen a lot of teeth throughout my career would be an understatement. One thing I’ve learned during these years as your trusted Los Angeles dentist is that no two mouths are the same — ever. What works for one patient may not (and probably won’t) work for another. That’s why at Westside Dental Associates, we make sure to offer variety with each of our services. It’s no different with dentures. If you’re missing teeth and need a good, sturdy replacement in 2016, keep reading to learn about your options with modern dentures in Los Angeles. A Variety of Options for Your Dentures in Los Angeles When it comes to advancements in dentistry […]

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]]> dentures los angelesTo say I’ve seen a lot of teeth throughout my career would be an understatement. One thing I’ve learned during these years as your trusted Los Angeles dentist is that no two mouths are the same — ever. What works for one patient may not (and probably won’t) work for another. That’s why at Westside Dental Associates, we make sure to offer variety with each of our services. It’s no different with dentures. If you’re missing teeth and need a good, sturdy replacement in 2016, keep reading to learn about your options with modern dentures in Los Angeles.

A Variety of Options for Your Dentures in Los Angeles

When it comes to advancements in dentistry over the past few decades, tooth replacement might top the list as the area with the most improvement. We’re not talking about your grandmother’s dentures here — today’s tooth replacement is affordable, effective and can be just as sturdy and beautiful as your own natural teeth.

Traditional Dentures

When you think of dentures, you’re probably imagining the conventional kind: a full set attached to a gum-colored base. Traditional dentures are secured in the mouth by denture adhesive or natural suction. For patients only missing a few teeth, partial dentures can be created, too. Unfortunately, traditional dentures often result in an ill-fit, and must be remade as the mouth degenerates due to the missing teeth. A better option for tooth replacement is a denture that’s held in place by dental implants.

Implant-Retained Dentures

While the treatment time is longer, nothing offers a better tooth replacement than one secured by dental implants. The implants are tiny titanium posts, inserted directly into the space left by missing teeth. They act as a prosthetic root, stabilizing the beautiful denture that fits on top. The benefits of implant-retained dentures are many compared to non-implant supported options. Some include:
  • Stronger oral health. Because the dental implant provides the stimulation the jawbone needs to stay healthy and whole, it won’t degenerate over time — and that means your denture will never have to be refitted for your changing mouth.
  • Restored ability to eat, speak and smile just like you’re used to, free from the stress or worry of an ill-fitting denture.
  • You never have to deal with messy denture adhesives or clips and brackets. Your tooth replacement will fit perfectly for years and years to come.
  • In fact, when cared for properly, implant-supported dentures can last for a lifetime.

Enjoy Modern Dentures from Westside Dental Associates

Are you ready to experience life with a complete smile once again? Or do you need to free yourself from the discomfort of an ill-fitting replacement? Don’t wait to enjoy the benefits modern dentures provide. Contact Westside Dental Associates to schedule your consultation with Dr. Les Latner today! New patients, click here.

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]]> Your Go-To Los Angeles Dentist for Root Canal Therapy https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/los-angeles-dentist-4/ Tue, 13 Oct 2015 13:10:17 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=844 In ancient civilizations, people believed that root canal infections were caused by a worm that lived within a tooth, and that killing the worm healed the tooth. When this belief was debunked, historical documents indicate people believed these infections were caused by poorly aligned humors (blood, phlegm, black and yellow bile), and the method for curing root canal infection was extraction and bloodletting. Ironically, both infection removal and tooth extraction are still used to treat root canal infections today. The difference is that modern dental practitioners understand the cause of root canal infection, and can better treat the problem and remove the associated discomfort. At Westside Dental Associates, Dr. Les Latner and his skilled dentistry […]

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]]> Historic root canal therapy not quite what you should expect from your los angeles dentistIn ancient civilizations, people believed that root canal infections were caused by a worm that lived within a tooth, and that killing the worm healed the tooth. When this belief was debunked, historical documents indicate people believed these infections were caused by poorly aligned humors (blood, phlegm, black and yellow bile), and the method for curing root canal infection was extraction and bloodletting. Ironically, both infection removal and tooth extraction are still used to treat root canal infections today. The difference is that modern dental practitioners understand the cause of root canal infection, and can better treat the problem and remove the associated discomfort. At Westside Dental Associates, Dr. Les Latner and his skilled dentistry team help patients relieve the pain of root canal infection, and keep their smiles happy and healthy.

Root Canal Infection Facts from Your Los Angeles Dentist

  • Root canal infection occurs when, due to trauma or advanced decay, a tooth’s interior pulp layer is infected. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels that connect with the body through canals in the root of the tooth. The tooth’s outer enamel and dentin layers are thinnest in the root, and most pulp infections are caused by bacterial buildup and decay beginning in the root. Thus, the infection and treatment are commonly referred to as root canals.
  • Root canal infection and any other dental concern that involves the interior of the tooth falls under the dental specialty of endodontics (endo – inside, odont – tooth).
  • While some patients still require extraction to treat root canal infection, most dentists will preserve natural dentition with root canal therapy.
  • Many patients have learned that a root canal “kills” the tooth, but this is not the case. The pulp and any infection inside the tooth are removed. This includes the nerves and blood vessels inside which were believed to be the “life” of the tooth, but after development, the tooth’s blood vessels serve no function and the nerves are pain receptors. The tooth’s enamel absorbs nutrients (fluoride and phosphates) that strengthen it from the outside.

The Root Canal Therapy Los Angeles Relies OnIllustration of a Dental root canal deterioration on a white background

A recent study by the American Association of Endodontists revealed that there are roughly 40 million root canal procedures performed in the US annually, and that 85% of patients who receive root canal therapy return to the dentist who performed their procedure for future dental care. With a 95% success rate, root canal therapy retains natural dental structure, relieves pain, and puts a beautiful smile back on patients’ faces. Here’s how root canal therapy at Westside Dental Associates works:
  • The first step in the root canal process is removing the infected tissue within the tooth. This is done using increasingly larger files. These files look like tiny swords, and have serrated edges that pull infected tissue out of the tooth.
  • Once the infection is removed, patients may need to undergo a round of antibiotic treatment (topical or oral) to ensure the procedure’s success. This is more likely for severe infections that have spread to the gums or surrounding teeth.
  • For most patients, directly following the removal of infection, the tooth is filled with gutta percha, a biocompatible material that mimics the pulp supporting the dental structure.
  • Finally, the visible portion of the tooth is restored with a dental crown.

Call the Dentist 90064 Residents Trust for Pain Relieving Root Canal Therapy

If you’re experiencing extreme pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, or notice one tooth that is discolored, you may have a root canal infection. Call Dr. Latner and his dental team for pain relieving root canal therapy Los Angeles residents rely on. At Westside Dental Associates, we help patients relieve the pain of root canal infection leaving them with a smile they’re proud to share.

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]]> Expert Los Angeles Implant Dentist https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/implant-dentist/ Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:16:37 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=745 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 […]

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]]> 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.

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]]> Combat Gum Recession With State-of-the-Art Treatment https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/pinhole-surgical-technique/ Fri, 19 Jun 2015 18:04:48 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=738 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 […]

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]]> Enjoy a new kind of jaw surgery.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.

“Tell Me More About the Pinhole Surgical Technique”

Incision-free? Check. Free of sutures? Check. The only hole that is made is with a needle, then Dr. Latner reaches into his bag of specially designed instruments to help loosen gum tissue. Said gum tissue is then gently placed over the receded part of a tooth. If you’re curious why gums recede in the first place, it was brought about by certain factors including smoking and poor dental hygiene habits. It’s pretty rough stuff. But, with this newest technology, we can bring your gums back to working order and give them a beautiful appearance. It’s a relatively painless post-op experience, too. There have been minimal reports of pain, swelling and bleeding, so treatment is smooth.. As opposed to conventional treatment that was highly invasive and sometimes painful, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is miles ahead in terms of comfort and effectiveness. Just look at all the benefits of receiving this specialized treatment:
  • Your receding gums will look and feel healthier
  • Discomfort? What discomfort?
  • The procedure can be performed in one session covering several sites
  • Overly-swelling and bleeding gums are no longer a problem
  • Come to our office much less
  • Do you like a beautiful smile? You’ll get one
As you can see, there are plenty of advantages to choosing this procedure. Receding gums shouldn’t keep you from having a beautiful smile, and we’ll do everything in our power to get you the smile you deserve. Attack the problem at the source and let Dr. Latner restore your gum line.

Schedule a Consultation

Before receiving this treatment, it’s best you sit down with Dr. Latner and discuss your options. You may not need surgery after all, so it’s best to get a second opinion first. We accept patients from all over the Los Angeles, CA area, including Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Burbank and beyond.        

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]]> The Los Angeles Dentures Specialists at Westside Dental are Here to Help https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/dentures-los-angeles/ Sat, 09 May 2015 14:50:09 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=715 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 […]

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]]> 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.

denturecoupleMini 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.

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]]> Should You Remove and Replace Old Metal (Amalgam) Fillings with New Tooth Colored Fillings? https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/tooth-colored-fillings-2/ Sun, 22 Feb 2015 17:17:51 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=650 A mouthful of metal could damage your long term health. Mercury is a poisonous toxin; however, it is used in millions of dental fillings each year. Research suggests that, if metal fillings were proposed today, they would never be approved; yet mercury has been used by dentists for over 150 years. While it may not be practical to remove all metal fillings, health experts now recommend that you remove and replace old, cracked, or corroded metal fillings with new tooth colored composite fillings. You should also make sure than any new restorations are strictly tooth colored fillings. Tooth colored fillings are composed of a plastics and glass mixture. They look more natural, are more durable, […]

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]]> 162573151A mouthful of metal could damage your long term health. Mercury is a poisonous toxin; however, it is used in millions of dental fillings each year. Research suggests that, if metal fillings were proposed today, they would never be approved; yet mercury has been used by dentists for over 150 years. While it may not be practical to remove all metal fillings, health experts now recommend that you remove and replace old, cracked, or corroded metal fillings with new tooth colored composite fillings. You should also make sure than any new restorations are strictly tooth colored fillings. Tooth colored fillings are composed of a plastics and glass mixture. They look more natural, are more durable, and are more beneficial to your oral and overall health. Make your tooth colored filling appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner prioritizes your good health. Westside Dental Associates is the leading restorative family dentistry of West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the surrounding areas.

What Are the Dangers of Old Metal (Amalgam) Dental Fillings?

While tooth colored fillings are metal free, amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals including silver, tin, and copper, with approximately 50% mercury by weight. It can release low levels of mercury vapor which can be inhaled. Over the past 20 years, mercury has been identified as an environmental hazard and linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and kidney, brain and nerve damage. Mercury doesn’t leave the body as waste. It can settle in soft tissues like the kidneys, brain, and other organs. Those who are allergic to metals (about 3% of people) may also develop mouth sores and skin rashes as a result of amalgam exposure. Most experts recommend that dental amalgam should be avoided altogether by pregnant women and children under the age of six.

West LA Tooth Colored Fillings Appointments

Don’t take chances with your health. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates for your new tooth colored fillings today. Dr. Latner and Westside Dental Associates protects the health of patients daily throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and nearby communities.

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]]> Afraid of Drills and Needles? Make an Air Abrasion Dental Appointment Today https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/air-abrasion/ Thu, 29 Jan 2015 15:05:58 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=621 Have You Been Avoiding the Dental Care You Need? Many patients with dental fear and phobia, cringe at the thought of dental treatment. They simply can’t stand the needles, drills, and other tools commonly used by dentists to treat decay or complete restorations. If you’re one of these patients, you should know that Dr. Latner now offers air abrasion treatments. You can opt for air abrasion to treat small cavities, remove old restorations, or correct discoloration. Air abrasion can also be used with children to prepare their teeth for dental sealants. With air abrasion, your dental fear can be a thing of the past. Make your air abrasion dental appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside […]

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]]> 153177890Have You Been Avoiding the Dental Care You Need? Many patients with dental fear and phobia, cringe at the thought of dental treatment. They simply can’t stand the needles, drills, and other tools commonly used by dentists to treat decay or complete restorations. If you’re one of these patients, you should know that Dr. Latner now offers air abrasion treatments. You can opt for air abrasion to treat small cavities, remove old restorations, or correct discoloration. Air abrasion can also be used with children to prepare their teeth for dental sealants. With air abrasion, your dental fear can be a thing of the past. Make your air abrasion dental appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner employs the latest dental technologies to ensure that all dental treatments are as fast, efficient, and comfortable as possible. Westside Dental Associates serves patients of all ages throughout West LA and nearby communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista. What Happens During an Air Abrasion Procedure? Air abrasion treatment works with a mini sandblaster tool that is used to spray away your dental decay. A narrow stream of particles blasts the decayed portion of your tooth. The stream is composed of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture.  The stream is powered by compressed air that pushes through the dental hand-piece. The decay is displaced by the force of the stream and then vacuumed away through a thin tube. Why Choose Air Abrasion?
  • No heat, noise, pressure, or vibration
  • Less need for anesthetics (needles)
  • Less invasive
  • Dry procedure
  • Reduced risk of tooth fracturing and chipping
  • Treat multiple sites in one appointment
  • Faster than drilling procedures
How Is Air Abrasion Used?
  • Prepare cavity fillings
  • Remove old composite restorations
  • Prepare a tooth for bonding or sealants
  • Remove superficial staining
Air Abrasion Dental Appointments in West Los Angeles Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to discover the air abrasion difference. Dr. Latner prioritizes your comfort and care. Westside Dental Associates restores smiles daily for families throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and surrounding cities.

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]]> Stop Pain in Its Tracks with West LA Root Canal Therapy https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/root-canal/ Thu, 22 Jan 2015 14:11:21 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=612 Do you have periodic tooth pain and sensitivity? Many patients tolerate tooth pain and discomfort, which are clear signs of infection, because they want to avoid visiting the dentist. They may fear dental work, and so they wait until their pain becomes literally unbearable. But you shouldn’t be waiting for a dental emergency to treat a tooth infection. A simple root canal procedure can immediately eliminate your pain, and save your tooth from further decomposition. Tooth sensitivity can also be a warning sign of infection. Don’t put up with dental problems any longer. Be proactive with your dental health and make your root canal therapy appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Root […]

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]]> Do you have periodic tooth pain and sensitivity? Many patients tolerate tooth pain and discomfort, which are clear signs of infection, because they want to avoid visiting the dentist. They may fear dental work, and so they wait until their pain becomes literally unbearable. But you shouldn’t be waiting for a dental emergency to treat a tooth infection. A simple root canal procedure can immediately eliminate your pain, and save your tooth from further decomposition. Tooth sensitivity can also be a warning sign of infection. Don’t put up with dental problems any longer. Be proactive with your dental health and make your root canal therapy appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Root canal therapy can stop pain and sensitivity and save your natural teeth from extraction. Westside Dental Associates restores smiles daily throughout West Los Angeles and nearby areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista. What Is a Root Canal? Beneath your tooth’s outer layer of enamel is a soft pulp tissue core. This pulp is composed of nerves, arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissues. The nerves enter your tooth at the tip of the roots. From here, nerves run through the center of the root into your root canals. Root canals are tiny divisions that branch off from the pulp chamber to the tip of the roots. You may have anywhere from one to four canals. Why You Need Root Canal  Therapy Your dental pulp can become infected with harmful bacteria and die from a deep cavity, fracture, or injury. This dead pulp causes pressure inside the tooth, resulting in inflammation, bleeding, tooth ache pain, and sensitivity. Root canal therapy will remove the dead pulp to stop the infection. What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
  • First, Dr. Latner will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around your infected tooth. A rubber dam is then placed around the tooth. Then, a hole is drilled into the crown to access the pulp chamber.
  • Next, Dr. Latner will cleanse and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canals.
  • Finally, the canals are filled with a rubber like material called gutta-percha to prevent future contamination. After being filled, the tooth is permanently sealed. Finally, a dental crown is cemented over the tooth to restore its full form and function.
West LA Root Canal Therapy Appointments   Make an appointment with Dr. Latner for the root canal therapy you need today. Dr. Latner is an experienced and compassionate restorative dentist. Westside Dental Associates proudly serves families throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and nearby areas.  

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]]> Three Cheers for Laser Dentistry! https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/laser-dentistry/ Mon, 22 Sep 2014 20:56:23 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=487 Dentistry has come a very long way in a relatively short time period. Advancements in Laser Dentistry have made many routine dental treatments less invasive and have significantly cut down on the time required for treatment and healing. By eliminating the need for incisions, certain laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia. Laser dentistry also minimizes bleeding because the high-energy light beams aid in the clotting of exposed blood vessels, thereby inhibiting blood loss. Lasers are useful for patients who are fearful of dental work, don’t like anesthesia, or don’t like the sound of the drill. Dr. Latner utilizes laser technology in his practice to aid in the comfort of his patients throughout Los Angeles, […]

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]]> 160047568Dentistry has come a very long way in a relatively short time period. Advancements in Laser Dentistry have made many routine dental treatments less invasive and have significantly cut down on the time required for treatment and healing. By eliminating the need for incisions, certain laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia. Laser dentistry also minimizes bleeding because the high-energy light beams aid in the clotting of exposed blood vessels, thereby inhibiting blood loss. Lasers are useful for patients who are fearful of dental work, don’t like anesthesia, or don’t like the sound of the drill. Dr. Latner utilizes laser technology in his practice to aid in the comfort of his patients throughout Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities. Laser Dentistry is less invasive and yields better results than drills and needles.  It helps to minimize the spread of bacterial infections because the high-energy beam sterilizes the area being worked on. Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized and wounds heal faster as tissues are easily regenerated. Dental lasers may also be used to seal tubules (located on the root of the tooth) that are responsible for hot and cold tooth sensitivity. There are two basic kinds of dental lasers. Laser Dentistry: Soft Tissue Lasers Soft tissue lasers help with the healing process after surgeries and during soft tissue procedures.  Soft tissue lasers can be used to reshape gum tissue to expose healthy tooth structure, improve the appearance of a gummy smile and for crown lengthening procedures. A soft tissue laser can also be used to perform a frenectomy, which is an ideal treatment option for children who are tongue tied, babies who are unable to breast feed adequately due to limited tongue movement, and to eliminate speech impediments. Soft tissue lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of soft tissue folds often caused by ill-fitting dentures. Laser Dentistry: Hard Tissue Lasers Hard tissue lasers also offer many advantages to the dental patient. Cavity detector lasers detect small amounts of decay inside the tooth. This is decay that visual exams and x-rays will not be able to find. Cavity detecting lasers, such as Dr. Latner’s Diagnodent system, consists of a small light probe that scans the teeth with harmless pulses of laser light. When the pulse reaches decay inside a tooth, the decay emits a fluorescent light.  This light bounces back to the sensors and is translated into a digital readout.  In general the higher the number the greater amount of decay. This laser accurately finds decay in its earliest stages. For dental fillings, some lasers may eliminate the need for a local anesthetic injection and the traditional turbine dental drill. Lasers used in dental filling procedures are capable of killing bacteria located in a cavity, potentially leading to improved long term tooth restorations. However, dental lasers are not appropriate for the replacement of amalgam fillings, onlays or crowns. Laser Dentistry for Los Angeles, CA Patients Laser Dentistry allows your dentist to detect cavities, remove bacteria, perform speech impediment surgery, crown lengthening, gum contouring and treat periodontal disease while minimizing your treatment time and discomfort. Contact Dr. Latner to find out how laser dentistry could aid in your dental treatment. Dr. Latner serves patients in and around Los Angeles, CA including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

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]]> Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/dental-implants/ Tue, 19 Aug 2014 21:09:32 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=470 There are many reasons why someone would be insecure about their smiles, and living with a smile you feel as though you are settling for is never easy. Having teeth missing from your smile can have detrimental effects on the way you feel about yourself as well as the way you interact with the people around you. Because many people consider a smile a first impression, not being able to be one hundred percent confident is an awful feeling to have. Fortunately, Dr. Les Latner is able to restore your smile using dental implants to his patients in the Los Angeles, CA community. The important first step to dental implants is making sure you have […]

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]]> 177232118There are many reasons why someone would be insecure about their smiles, and living with a smile you feel as though you are settling for is never easy. Having teeth missing from your smile can have detrimental effects on the way you feel about yourself as well as the way you interact with the people around you. Because many people consider a smile a first impression, not being able to be one hundred percent confident is an awful feeling to have. Fortunately, Dr. Les Latner is able to restore your smile using dental implants to his patients in the Los Angeles, CA community. The important first step to dental implants is making sure you have a consultation with Dr. Latner. There, he will be able to evaluate your smile in its current condition, evaluate your bone density, and determine whether or not dental implants are right for you. You can also take that opportunity to bring up any questions or concerns you may have, as we think it is important you remain as comfortable and knowledgeable throughout this entire process as possible. If you are a candidate for dental implants, a titanium post will embedded into your jaw. Not only does this replace the missing tooth root, but it also fuses with your jaw bone over time, generating new and healthy bone growth as well as establishing a strong bond. With proper time and healing, the crown is then added. The crown resembles a tooth exactly, so your new smile will look natural and beautiful! At the end of the procedure, you have the smile you have always wanted that you cannot wait to show off! If you would like Dr. Latner’s help restoring your smile using dental implants, contact our office today! Call us today to reserve your appointment for Dr. Latner. We offer general and preventative care to patients from Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

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