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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.

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.

Choose Fast, Reliable, and Long Lasting Zoom Teeth Whitening from Dr. Latner in West LA

March 10, 2015

478320323Are you tired of teeth whitening products that just don’t work on your teeth? Although there are several teeth whitening options on the market, many patients have discovered that they are not all reliable choices. Teeth whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter teeth whitening products often take several weeks of daily use before yielding any significant results. To be effective, they also require that you stricken everyday drinks like coffee, tea, and soda from your diet for months at a time. Prolonged exposure to these products also heightens the risk of irritated or inflamed gum tissue. All-in-all, the costs of these products  far outweigh any benefits they provide. The most reliable and convenient way to whiten your teeth, is to schedule a professional teeth whitening appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner is a trusted and experienced Los Angeles cosmetic dentist. Westside Dental Associates delivers quality dental care to families daily throughout West LA and nearby cities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

  • Brown Teeth: Brown tooth stains are often caused by consuming coffee, tea, sodas, or red wines. They can also be caused by tobacco use or dental fluorosis (overdose of dental fluoride).
  • Yellow Teeth: Your teeth can naturally darken or yellow over time, because the underlying dentin layer continues to thicken as we age. Dentin formation can also accelerate from the stress put on your teeth from nightly grinding (Bruxism).
  • Gray Teeth: Graying teeth can usually be attributed to the incorporation of dark pigmented molecules into dentin and enamel layers as teeth are forming. This is generally caused by the use of tetracycline antibiotics in childhood.
  • White Spots: White spots on teeth often look like frosted areas on your enamel. These spots can be an indication of early decay, causing the surface of your teeth to appear etched or matted.

West LA Teeth Whitening Appointments

If you suffer from tooth discoloration or staining, make an appointment for professional teeth whitening from Dr. Latner today. Dr. Latner offers Zoom teeth whitening. Zoom teeth whitening is available as both an in-office and take-home treatment. Zoom can be completed in the dentist office in under an hour, or conveniently in the comfort of your own home with custom teeth whitening trays. Either way, Dr. Latner can provide the reliable and long lasting teeth whitening results you’ve been looking for. Westside Dental Associates is the premier cosmetic dental practice of West LA, and the surrounding communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

Dr. Latner Helps West LA Families Treat and Prevent Gum Disease

February 28, 2015

99076096How important is your dental health? If it’s important, you should learn how to prevent gum disease, your oral health’s biggest threat. Your mouth contains billions of gum disease causing bacteria. Gum disease is the most common chronic bacterial infection in adult patients. It’s estimated that nearly 50% of Americans over age 30, and over 70% of those age 65 or older, have some form of gum disease. The good news is that, with regular dental checkups and proper daily oral hygiene, it’s possible to prevent gum disease. If you already have gum disease, Dr. Latner offers treatment that can successfully reverse gum disease damage and prevent it from reoccurring. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates for the gum disease therapy you need to protect your health. Westside Dental Associates serves families daily throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the surrounding communities.

What Is Gum Disease?

Bacteria can accumulate on your teeth as plaque. Over time, plaque buildup can harden and become trapped at the base of your teeth. Once plaque hardens, it turns into tartar. Plaque and tartar can cause damage to your teeth and gums if not removed with regular dental cleanings. They can lead to inflamed and infected gums, and early stage gum disease, gingivitis. This stage is easier to treat because it only affects the gums. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious condition known as periodontitis. Periodontitis causes deep pockets, or spaces, to form between your teeth and gums. As pocket depths increase, periodontitis can also cause your gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth and allowing bacteria to grow beneath your gum line. Over time, your bones, gum, and connective tissues are destroyed. Eventually, teeth shift, loosen, and need to be removed.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Early stage gum disease treatment, root scaling and planning, is non-surgical and non- invasive. Dr. Latner will remove plaque and tarter deposits to control the growth of bacteria and encourage healthy tissue generation. Scaling removes plaque and tarter from the teeth below the gum line. Root planning then smoothes the root surface, so that the supportive tissue can better re-attach to your tooth surface. These treatments may be all that’s needed to reverse bone or tissue loss due to periodontal disease. More advanced periodontitis, however, may require bone and tissue grafting, or gum recontouring surgeries, to repair long ignored gum disease damage.

Do You Need Gum Disease Treatment?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need gum disease treatment:

  • Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
  • Pockets or deep spaces forming between your teeth and gums
  • Loosened or shifting teeth
  • Chronic bad breath

West LA Gum Disease Treatment Appointments

Since early gum disease symptoms are often mild, many patients fail to take action until their condition becomes serious. Failing to seek gum disease treatment can lead to painful and expensive surgery in the future. Don’t let this happen to you. Make your gum disease treatment appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner is an experienced general and restorative dentist, now proudly serving patients throughout West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the neighboring communities.

Should You Remove and Replace Old Metal (Amalgam) Fillings with New Tooth Colored Fillings?

February 22, 2015

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.

Replace Your Missing Teeth in Just One Visit with Mini Dental Implants in West Los Angeles

February 15, 2015

177276486One Visit Mini Dental Implants! Many tooth loss patients are eager to experience the benefits of dental implant tooth restorations; however, they may have health or cost concerns that prevent them from undergoing dental implant surgery. Today, Dr. Latner has a solution. With new mini dental implants, you can enjoy the full advantages of traditional dental implants, in a fraction of the time, and for less. Mini dental implants are roughly half the size of traditional dental implants; about the size of a toothpick. They can be used in patients who have experienced significant bone loss, or lack sufficient bone structure. You can make your mini dental implants consultation appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner offers comprehensive dental implants placement. Westside Dental Associates is the trusted restorative dentistry of West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the surrounding communities.

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

Like traditional dental implants, mini dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth and restore good oral health. Typically, at least four mini dental implants are required to secure a full lower denture, while at least six are needed to secure a full upper denture. More mini dental implants can be used to secure the denture if necessary. Denture wearers will benefit from the new security offered by mini dental implants. Partial denture wearers can also benefit from mini dental implants, as they can easily snap into the portion of the partial denture that is used to replace  missing teeth.

What’s the Difference between Traditional Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants?

One Visit Mini Dental Implants in West Los Angeles

Mini dental implants placement is much quicker and easier than that of the traditional dental implants. Mini dental implants can be gently placed into the jaw bone, where no sensory nerve endings are located. To discover how effortlessly your new mini dental implants can be placed, make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner is a highly qualified implant dentist. Westside Dental Associates restores smiles daily for patients throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and neighboring areas.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Celebrate By Making a Pediatric Dental Checkup Appointment Today

February 10, 2015

178529160Recent studies show that U.S. children miss over 51 million instructional school hours every year because of dental health problems. Each February, the ADA sponsors a National Children’s Dental Health Month to combat this problem. Now in its 63rd year, this month-long oral health observance brings together thousands of dedicated pediatric dental professionals, health care providers, children, caregivers, and teachers to raise awareness of the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Celebrate your child’s dental health by making a pediatric dental checkup appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner is a highly qualified family dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and surrounding areas.

How Often Should Your Child Get a Pediatric Dental Checkup?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children receive a pediatric dental checkup at least twice a year starting at age one. However, some children may need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene habits.

What Happens During a Pediatric Dental Checkup?

First, Dr. Latner will review your child’s medical and dental history. Then, he will gently examine your child’s teeth, oral tissues, and jaws to check for decay and infection. Next, your child’s teeth will be cleaned and polished, followed by the application of dental fluoride or dental sealants to guard against cavities. X-rays may also be needed for diagnosing tooth decay or other abnormalities. Dr. Latner will communicate with your child with easily understandable words, pictures, and ideas, allowing your child to become self-motivated to take responsibility for a healthy smile.

West LA Pediatric Dental Checkup Appointments

Make your child’s next pediatric dental checkup appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner welcomes patients of all ages throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the neighboring communities.

Afraid of Drills and Needles? Make an Air Abrasion Dental Appointment Today

January 29, 2015

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.

Stop Pain in Its Tracks with West LA Root Canal Therapy

January 22, 2015

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.

 

Invisalign: The Orthodontics Solution for Busy West Los Angeles Adults and Teens

January 15, 2015

85449924No time to fix your smile? Dr. Latner understands that it’s sometimes difficult to make time for the dental treatment you need to improve your smile. That’s why he’s always looking for new ways to make your dental treatment more efficient. With this in mind, Dr. Latner now offers quick and convenient orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear braces. Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional bracket and wire braces. Invisalign is made of a series of custom-fitted clear plastic aligners, designed to incrementally move your teeth into proper position. All you have to do is switch out your aligners every couple of weeks. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign checkups are quick and painless. The treatment typically takes about 12 months for adults, and about 24 months for teens. However, with Invisalign, your braces are barely noticeable, and you won’t have to make any changes to your already busy lifestyle. It’s time to finally get the orthodontic treatment you’ve been putting off; make your Invisalign consultation appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today.  Your 90064 family dentist restores smiles daily throughout West Los Angeles and the surrounding communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Why Choose Invisalign?

Invisalign is faster and more convenient than traditional metal braces. Benefits include:

  • Clear aligners that are virtually invisible
  • Smooth comfortable plastic aligners
  • Aligners that are easily removable for oral hygiene or special occasions
  • You can still eat and drink whatever you want

How Do You Get Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are made of strong and virtually invisible, clear plastic. To start your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Latner will take your dental impressions, x-rays, and photographs. This information is sent to the Invisalign labs, and a plaster mold is made and scanned into a computer creating a three dimensional model. Invisalign technicians will then separate your teeth in the model and move them to their ideal positions as prescribed by Dr. Latner. Custom software then simulates the movement of your teeth into their new positions in stages. Dr. Latner will approve the simulation, and your new plastic resin aligners will be fabricated for each stage of your treatment. Finally, you’ll receive your new clear aligners and begin your treatment, exchanging them every two weeks as your treatment progresses.

West Los Angeles Invisalign Appointments

For the best results, Invisalign clear braces should be worn for at least 20 hours per day. However, you can always remove the aligners to eat, and brush and floss your teeth. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner for an Invisalign consultation at Westside Dental Associates today.  The sooner you schedule an appointment, the sooner you’ll be able to show off your brand new smile. Dr. Latner is a trusted 90064 dentist, proudly serving patients of all ages throughout West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and nearby cities.