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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Safe and Experienced Sedation Dentist in Los Angeles

May 23, 2015

Filed under: Sedation Dentistry — Westside Dental Associates @ 3:06 pm

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

sedationWhen 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.

Escape Your Dental Fear and Anxiety with Oral Conscious Sedation Appointments in West LA

March 15, 2015

122568441It’s been estimated that about 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of dental fear and anxiety; that’s about 30 to 40 million people! If you have dental fears, you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. You can stand up to those fears, and get the dental treatment you need, with oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation creates a safe and comfortable dental experience for patients who have avoided the dentist out of fear in the past. Make your next dental appointment, relaxed and rewarding, with oral conscious sedation from Dr. Latner and Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner is a compassionate and qualified family dentist, now proudly serving 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 Oral Conscious Sedation?

You will be able to take your sedation medication about an hour before your appointment. The most commonly prescribed oral conscious sedation medications belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. They’re absolutely safe, and they decrease anxiety by binding with receptors in the brain which tone down activity in the parts responsible for fear. Most patients feel calmer and more relaxed after taking sedative medication. Oral conscious sedation produces a mild or moderate sedation experience, where you will remain sedated but alert, responsive, and able to answer questions. However, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home after the appointment, as the effects of the sedatives will take a few hours to wear off.

Do You Need Oral Conscious Sedation?

A phobia is an intense and unreasonable fear. Most dental procedures aren’t painful, however, for those with dental fear and phobia, the very thought of a dental visit can be terrifying. Some patients are so frightened that they go years and years without dental care and will only see a dentist for emergencies. This pattern of behavior can wreak havoc on both oral and overall health causing gum disease, pain, and broken or unsightly teeth. Oral conscious sedation  allows fearful patients to finally receive the dental care they need to stay healthy and smiling.

West LA Oral Conscious Sedation Appointments

If you suffer from dental fear or phobia, schedule the dental appointment you need with oral conscious sedation from Dr. Latner and Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner is an experienced oral conscious sedation dentist, now proudly restoring smiles daily throughout West LA and the nearby communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

Three Cheers for Laser Dentistry!

September 22, 2014

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.

Calm Your Fears with Oral Conscious Sedation

August 4, 2014

478126661One thing that many people have in common is a fear. Whether it is a fear of heights or they squirm at the sight of a spider, there are many different fears that people have, and they all affect them differently. One fear that many people share is a fear of the dentist. Though the fear may be slight for some, for others the fear can be crippling, causing them to put off the dental work they so desperate need performed. Though you may feel as though there is nothing you can do, Dr. Les Latner is able to calm the fears of his patients by offering oral conscious sedation at his Los Angeles, CA dental office.

Aside from having a fear of the dentist, there are many other people who can benefit from this form of sedation, such as those who suffer from TMJ, and people who find it difficult to keep their mouths open for extended periods of time. Dr. Latner has his certification is sedation dentistry from DOCS, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, so you are sure to be in excellent hands.

Oral conscious sedation means simply taking a prescribed pill before your appointment. Throughout your dental appointment, you will feel extremely relaxed and absolutely no pain. Dr. Latner will also give your nitrous oxide in order to ensure your complete comfort. While you are sitting and relaxing, Dr. Latner will be able to perform your dental work with ease. At the end of the procedure, you are left having a healthier smile and better peace of mind. It is important to have a trusted loved one bring you home after your appointment, as the effects of the sedation will still be in your system. If you would like Dr. Latner’s help calming your fears with oral conscious sedation, 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.

How Can Oral Conscious Sedation Help You?

February 15, 2014

oral conscious sedationDo you avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety? So do many others. That’s why Dr. Latner of Westside Dental Associates offers oral conscious sedation, a common form of sedation dentistry. With oral conscious sedation, we can help patients in the Los Angeles area stamp out anxiety and have a new kind of dental experience.

Oral conscious sedation works using a safe and effective prescription, in combination with nitrous oxide. What’s more, Dr. Latner has been certified to offer oral conscious sedation by the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS). That means you can trust our team to safely and effectively offer care with oral conscious sedation.

Here’s what you can expect.

First, you’ll take a small pill when you arrive at our Los Angeles office for your appointment. Once the pill has taken effect and you’re resting comfortably, we’ll begin your procedure. Under the influence of oral conscious sedation, your appointment will pass like a dream. When it’s over you won’t remember any significant details from your appointment.

Will your next appointment be your first using oral conscious sedation? Keep in mind that you’ll need a friend or family member with you to drive you home afterward; it can take several hours for the effects of oral conscious sedation to wear off.

Call Westside Dental Associates if you’d like to learn more about oral conscious sedation, or if you just want to set up an appointment with Dr. Latner. We offer this great service to patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, Culver City, Rancho Park, Westwood, Brentwood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, and beyond.

What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

February 28, 2013

For some patients, going to the dentist takes courage. Sometimes that’s because of one or more bad experiences in the past. Other times it’s because of neck, back, or jaw pain. Whatever the cause, no dentist ever wants his or her patients to avoid care.

That’s why many dentists offer a service called oral conscious sedation. The point of oral conscious sedation is to create a soothing sense of relaxation in patients without putting them fully to sleep. Being able to respond to questions during a procedure is important.

Oral conscious sedation isn’t the only kind of sedation that can help patients find this balance, but it is one of the most popular. It works using a simple, prescription medication to create feelings of relaxation.

Many dentists will have you wait to take your pill until you’ve arrived at the office. Then, when the medication has taken effect and you’re seated comfortably in your doctor’s dental chair, your procedure will begin.

For patients who will be using oral conscious sedation, it’s important to have someone with you at your appointment to drive you home. The effects of oral conscious sedation take time to wear off.

Regular dental visits are important for a wide variety of reasons, the most important being to support your health and well-being. If you have put off care because of anxiety or discomfort, a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation can help you move beyond those to get the help you need. Improved oral health is in your future!

Achieve a New Level of Calm with Sedation Dentistry from Westside Dental Associates

May 3, 2012

Have you ever put off important dental care because of fear, anxiety, stress or physical discomfort? At Westside Dental Associates, we don’t want anything to stand between you and a healthy smile.

If anxiety or pain is standing in your way, Dr. Latner would like you to know we can help. Safe and effective oral conscious sedation makes it possible for patients to feel relaxed and at peace while receiving the care their smile needs.

What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation uses a combination of nitrous oxide and a mild oral sedative. With these combined, patients who have felt restless or anxious in the past can achieve a level of calm that may have seemed impossible in the past

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

If you’ve chosen to use oral conscious sedation for your procedure, Dr. Latner will prescribe a mild oral sedative for you to take prior to your next appointment. Then, once the sedative has taken effect, Dr. Latner will administer nitrous oxide to enhance the soothing effects of your pill.

While you’re sedated, Dr. Latner will be able to complete hours of dental work while you relax in our Los Angeles office without you even noticing the passage of time. Some patients even become so relaxed that they fall asleep.

Want to learn more about sedation dentistry? Call Dr. Latner’s Los Angeles office to schedule a consultation appointment. During your appointment, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about sedation dentistry or any of our other services. We look forward to hearing from you!

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