In our last post, we talked about abscessed teeth and listed some of the most common signs and symptoms of them. Today, we want to talk about root canals–the restorative service Dr. Latner uses to help patients enjoy good oral health and wellbeing again.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a common procedure designed to help patients treat infection. The process involves removing the infected pulp that makes up the tooth’s nerve and cleaning the interior chamber. Then we’ll fill the tooth with a biologically-inert substance and seal it with a custom-made dental crown. Your crown will protect your tooth from developing another infection, in addition...(Read More)
What Is an Abscess?
June 11, 2014
Our teeth have multiple layers, with the inner layer containing the tooth’s nerve. Most dental problems involve the protective layer of enamel on the outside of teeth, but sometimes, because of an injury or deep decay, an infection can develop inside the tooth, where the nerve is.
Treating an infected tooth is important. If it’s not treated, an abscess can develop, resulting in a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Signs of an abscessed tooth include:
- Toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Redness and swelling
- A sore or pimple on the side of the gums
- Pain when chewing
- A bitter taste in the mouth
Foods That Are Good for Your Smile
June 10, 2014
When it comes to your oral health, nothing is more beneficial than a good brushing and flossing combined with regular dental cleanings and checkups. And yet, there’s more to having a healthy smile than just these. What you eat makes a difference too. That’s why we want to use today’s post to highlight certain foods that can help you support your oral health and overall wellbeing.
Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
All three of these are high in calcium, which is essential for building strong bones and healthy teeth. Dairy foods also help you produce saliva, which has a neutralizing effect on any acid in the mouth. If acid isn’t neutralized, teeth are more vulnerable...(Read More) 
Why Is a Straight Smile Important?
May 30, 2014
This question has two answers. The first is related to confidence. When you have a straight smile, you feel more confident and end up sharing it with others. And isn’t that what everyone wants—the confidence to smile openly instead of hiding your teeth behind a closed-mouth smile?
Confidence is just part of the answer, though. There’s an even more important one that goes back to your oral health. Put simply, it’s easier to keep straight teeth clean. When teeth are misaligned, bacteria and plaque have more places to hide. As a result, you can be more vulnerable to conditions like tooth decay and gum disease.
At our Los Angeles office, we offer two great...(Read More) 
See What Our Patients Have Said about Us
May 16, 2014
If you’re new to the Los Angeles area, finding a dentist is important. But who should you go to? Choosing a dentist when you’re in a new place is easier when you can hear what others have to say about the dentist you’re considering.
That’s why we have a page for testimonials on our website. When you visit this section, you’ll not only find short, written testimonials, you’ll also find video testimonials. In these videos, real-life patients talk about their experiences and how the care they received made them feel. We want to help you in the same way that we’ve helped these other patients.
Are you considering a visit to Westside Dental...(Read More)
A Cosmetic Makeover for the Second Half of 2014
May 9, 2014
With 2014 almost halfway over, you have a lot to look forward to over the next few months. Maybe you have family vacation planned, or you’re simply looking forward to the holidays that come with cooler temperatures. Don’t you want to go into these anticipated moments feeling confident and happy about your smile?
At Westside Dental Associates, we think now is a good time for patients to consider a cosmetic makeover for their smile. With plenty of time left in the year, you can have a whiter, more dazzling smile in time for all the big events coming up later in the year. And with our diverse range of services, we’re confident...(Read More) 
The Best Brands of Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouthwash
May 2, 2014
There are many great oral care products out there, but some are more effective than others. In today’s post, we want to offer some advice on choosing what’s right for you.
Toothpaste
There are toothpastes for seemingly everything–cavity protection, gum disease prevention, sensitivity, whitening, and more. In every case, there are going to be some products that are better than others, but if you want one that can do it all, consider Crest Pro-Health. This particular toothpaste whitens, prevents cavities and gingivitis, fights bad breath, and helps with sensitivity.
Floss
The right kind of floss depends on your particular preferences, and on your own teeth. In places where contact between teeth is normal or...(Read More) 
Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers from Westside Dental Associates
April 30, 2014
Your smile is your introduction to the world, speaking volumes about who you are in a single flash of your pearly whites. If you are embarrassed about the appearance of your teeth, however, you may feel less inclined to share your smile with the people who matter most. At Westside Dental Associates in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Les Latner helps patients just like you achieve flawless, luminous smiles with a variety of cosmetic dentistry services, including porcelain veneers.
How Can Porcelain Veneers Help Me?
Porcelain veneers are specially crafted sheaths of ultra-thin dental porcelain that are applied directly to the front surfaces of your teeth. Because they are customized...(Read More) 
Children’s Dentistry You Can Trust in Los Angeles, CA
April 20, 2014
When you are searching for a dentist for your children in Los Angeles, CA, you want to be sure that the oral healthcare professional you choose is trustworthy, gentle, and highly skilled in the intricate dental science that is pediatric dentistry. At Westside Dental Associates in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Les Latner and our team understand that your time is valuable, so we offer comprehensive pediatric dentistry right here in our office as part of our extensive menu of general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services.
The Importance of Children’s Dentistry
Though it is true that your child will eventually lose all of the primary teeth he or...(Read More) 
Discreet Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign at Westside Dental Associates
April 10, 2014
Straight, healthy teeth are largely considered the foundation for a beautiful smile, but not everyone is fortunate enough to be born with properly aligned teeth. For many adults and image-conscious adolescents, the idea of wearing traditional metal braces to correct a crooked smile simply isn’t appealing. At Westside Dental Associates in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Les Latner offers a cosmetically preferable alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment in the form of Invisalign clear braces.
Will Invisalign Work for Me?
The Invisalign clear braces system has quickly become the preferred method to effectively straighten teeth for countless teens and adults in America, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Rather than utilizing...(Read More) 