Dr. Latner Archives - Page 4 of 7 - Westside Dental Associates

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

January 29, 2015

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 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

No 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.

Straighter Teeth in Just Six Months? It’s Possible with Six Month Smiles

December 29, 2014

183238224 Some adults believe that braces are just for kids, and there is nothing they can do to straighten their teeth. But they would be wrong. There are many quick, convenient and discreet orthodontic treatments available for busy parents and professionals. Six Month Smiles is one such treatment. With Six Month Smiles you can correct orthodontic issues like misalignments or crowding in just six short months. Would you like to have a brand new smile just in time for summer? Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates. 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.

The Six Month Smiles Procedure

Consultation– During your initial consultation, you will receive a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums and oral health to determine if you are a candidate for Six Month Smiles
Modeling– The dentist will take detailed x-rays, intraoral and facial photographs and impressions of your teeth for use by the Six Month Smiles These models will also be used to calculate the exact tooth movement necessary to achieve the desired straightening results and placement of the clear brackets and tooth-colored wires.
Placement and Bonding– At the next appointment you will be fitted with the clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. The brackets are fused to your teeth with a bonding adhesive. They come positioned inside a custom-fabricated tray that enables the dentist to place them precisely where they need to be on your teeth. The adhesive is then hardened with a high-intensity light to ensure stability. Finally, the dentist will attach the tooth-colored wires and adjust them to ensure proper tooth movement.
Follow-up Appointments– You will need to visit the dentist monthly for adjustments and tightening until your treatment is complete. These appointments should only take about 15 minutes. Once treatment is complete, the brackets and wires are removed. This process usually takes just six months to complete.

Six Month Smiles Orthodontic Treatment in West Los Angeles, CA

Six month Smiles braces are quick, convenient and barely noticeable thanks to the clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. Don’t wait any longer to get the straight beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to get the confident smile you deserve. Westside Dental Associates provides Six Month Smiles orthodontic treatment to patients throughout West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.

Dry Mouth and Your Dental Health

December 22, 2014

78814148 Dry mouth is a condition that afflicts millions of Americans. Dry Mouth (xerostomia) is a deficiency of the salivary glands where the mouth continually feels dry. Saliva protects and preserves tissue in the mouth and throat. When not enough is produced by the body, the uncomfortable feeling in the mouth can lead to tooth decay and bad breadth. Although this condition affects mostly older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to begin treating your dry mouth symptoms. Don’t put off the treatment you need any longer. 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 Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is characterized by a dry or sticky feeling on the mouth, as if the mouth is stuffed with cotton balls. People with dry mouth can also experience dry lips and mouth sores, a burning feeling in the mouth or tongue, or a leathery feeling on the tongue. They may also find it difficult to swallow, chew food, or even speak.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

The number one cause of dry mouth is prescription medication. Over five hundred prescription drugs and over the counter medications have the side effect of dry mouth; including drugs intended to relieve symptoms of for high blood pressure, incontinence and allergies. The second most common cause of dry mouth is Sjogren’s syndrome. Sjogren’s syndrome affects over 1 million people, but is most common among menopausal women. Other causes for dry mouth include cancer treatment for head and neck cancers and head and neck injuries with nerve damage. Diseases that can be a direct cause of dry mouth include; Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Depression, Uncontrolled high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, Addison’s disease, and Alcoholic cirrhosis.

Dry Mouth Treatment in West Los Angeles, CA

There are steps that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth. Patients can try drinking room-temperature water throughout the day and night and carry a water bottle at all times. They can avoid drinking lots of water that is either very hot or very cold. It’s also a good idea to drink only sugarless drinks and avoid carbonated beverages. Avoiding drinks with caffeine is a good idea too because caffeine can dry out the mouth. They should drink water before, during and after a meal, chew sugarless gum, or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate salivary flow. Both alcoholic beverages and smoking can dry out the mouth and make patients susceptible to gum diseases and oral cancer. They can also try using a nighttime humidifier to moisten room air. However, the dentist is your best resource for developing a compressive treatment plan to get dry mouth symptoms under control. Possible in office dental treatments include topical fluoride treatments, prescription home fluoride, and antibacterial/anti-fungal mouth rinses . The dentist may also need to perform diagnostic x-rays more frequently to prevent and restore dental decay. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to protect your oral health. Westside Dental Associates proudly serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Meet Dr. Latner, Your 90064 Dentist

December 15, 2014

Are you looking for a Super Dentist? If you want a highly qualified Los Angeles dentist, committed to your overall good health, skilled in all aspects of dentistry, and respected in the dental community, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Latner today. Dr. Latner completed his masters in Kinesiology at UCLA, received his dentistry degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and served a two year residency in pediatric dentistry at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Latner is also a devoted Bruins fan who served many years as the UCLA football team’s dentist. For the past 30 years, your 90064 dentist has been providing quality and comprehensive dental care to patients throughout Los Angeles. And in 2014, Dr. Latner was named one of Southern California’s “Super Dentists.”

Your 90064 Dentist is:

Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
A master of the Academy of General Dentistry
A member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
A clinical assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry
A published author in the Journal of the American College of Dentists
President of the Los Angeles Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Your 90064 Dentist Offers Patient Centered Dental Care

At Westside Dental Associates, patient satisfaction is priority #1. Dr. Latner loves his work and it shows. Dr. Latner understands that restoring a smile can change a life. He enjoys seeing his patients gain back their confidence and take control of their health. For those with dental anxiety, your 90064 dentist offers conscious oral sedation to eliminate apprehension and reduce discomfort for every procedure. Likewise, Dr. Latner and his team are committed to helping each and every patient afford the dental care they need. That’s why he also offers help for patients who need to file insurance claims or apply for Care Credit.

Your 90064 Dentist: Solutions for Every Smile

No matter what condition your mouth is in, Dr. Latner has a dental care solution for you. Over the years Dr. Latner has gained much experience with extreme cases of decay and malocclusion. That’s why he takes a compassionate approach to understand each patient’s unique situation and to find the path toward good dental health that works for them. Your 90064 dentist is also great with children. During his time as a dentistry resident at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, he also learned to master the unique requirements that maintain a child’s dental health. For patients 1 to 100, with dental problems A to Z, whether you have only minor cosmetic concerns, or are in need of immediate pain relief, Dr. Latner can help. Westside Dental Associates offers a comprehensive selection of dental services for the entire family including dental sealants, gum disease and root canal therapy, full mouth restoration , porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, dental implants, and Zoom whitening.

Your 90064 Dentist Appointments

If you’re looking for a truly exceptional dentist, both accomplished and compassionate, make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Your 90064 dentist serves families throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

West LA Dentist Healthy Holiday Advice

December 10, 2014

71704983 Before you get swept away by the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take a few moments to think about your teeth. The habits we pick up this time of year can be especially harmful to our teeth. Holiday foods are typically rich in sugar and carbohydrates. And with all of the preparations and extra responsibilities to take on, many of us begin to skimp on our oral hygiene routines. You can protect your teeth and combat decay by adopting your West LA dentist healthy teeth strategies and then making an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner wants to help you and your family maintain your healthy teeth and gums with dental sealants and fluoride treatments over the holidays. Your West LA dentist serves families throughout West Los Angeles and nearby areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

West LA Dentist: 5 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

Stick with Big Meals- Avoid snacking and stick with a few big meals. This decreases the amount of time that your teeth and gums are exposed to sugary residue.
Chew Sugar Free Gum- Sugar free gum contains the ingredient Xylitol, which can help fight cavities and reduce tarter build up.
Do More Dairy- Drinking low fat milk can help wash away harmful sugar and bacteria. Also, chewing and eating a piece of cheese after consuming a sugary snack can increase saliva and fortify your teeth with needed calcium and vitamin D.
Use a Straw- If you enjoy beverages like sodas and fruit juices over the holidays, try drinking them with a straw to reduce the amount of sugar that’s exposed to your teeth.
Seek help to relieve stress- The holidays can be stressful for many people. This stress can cause some to clench or grind their teeth at night. You can visit your 90064 dentist for a night guard or dental appliance to protect your teeth during high stress periods.

West LA Holiday Dental Appointments

You don’t want to start out the New Year with a toothache or bleeding gums. Dr. Latner offers preventive dental care checkups and cleanings to protect you and your family this season. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner , your West LA dentist today. Westside Dental Associates serves families throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Dental Care 101: Why It Pays to Floss

November 29, 2014

481456381 The cost of dental fillings, root canal surgery and decaying teeth can easily run into hundreds or thousands of dollars a year. You can avoid these costs by simply taking an extra 5-10 min out of the day to floss your teeth. Floss was invented in 1815 by a dentist in New Orleans. It was first patented in 1898 by Johnson & Johnson and was made out of silk. Floss is now made of plastic, nylon or dental ribbon. You can also choose an automatic flosser which uses a nylon filament to clean between your teeth. It’s most useful to floss just once day, but slowly and effectively. Even with faithful flossing, everyone should have a professional deep cleaning twice a year to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. You can make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for the deep cleaning and dental care that you need. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and nearby areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Dental Care Advantages of Flossing

Brushing your teeth only cleans the outer surface. You should also be flossing to clean out the gaps between your teeth, where bacteria like to hide. If you don’t floss, the plaque may build-up, causing cavities, tooth decay and gingivitis (gum disease). If left untreated, gingivitis can be a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and obesity. In addition, bacteria can cause Halitosis and discoloration. Flossing can help you avoid these medical and hygiene issues and improve the appearance of your smile.

Preventive Dental Care in Los Angeles, CA

Remember that flossing daily can save your teeth and your checkbook. Some people may believe that you can’t floss if you’re pregnant, nursing, or wearing braces. But there’s a safe and effective flossing technique and material for everybody. Dr. Latner specializes in preventive dental care and can help you find the proper flossing techniques if you have any concerns. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to prevent dental care issues. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Dental Care 101: Should You Invest in an Electronic Toothbrush?

November 22, 2014

494297595 There’s a reason that there is so much buzz nowadays about the benefits of electronic toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes are rechargeable and c oscillate, vibrate, rotate or use sonic technology to better clean your teeth. Electric toothbrushes also come with special modes for sensitive teeth, gum massage and whitening. Some may feature pressure sensors that let you know if you’re brushing too hard, or feature digital reminders to replace your brush head. You should try using an electronic toothbrush to experience the benefits. But remember it’s just as important to see a dentist regularly for deep cleanings to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for you dental care needs. Westside Dental Associates serves kids and adults throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

6 Dental Care Benefits of the Electronic Toothbrush

Speed– The bristles of swirl rapidly over the teeth, brushing away more plaque and food particles and covering surfaces more effectively than manual brushing.
Convenience- The brush does most of the work. Patients with medical conditions that affect their hands or wrists, such as missing or paralyzed fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or similar conditions should opt for an electronic brush as eel.
Deep Cleaning- The bristles move fast and clean deeply to reach all of the cracks, curves, and crevices that extract food particles and store harmful bacteria. The motion of the brush supplies the pressure and power needed to scrub away at any layers of plaque.
Stain Removal- Smoking and the frequent consumption of drinks like coffee, tea and soda can cause discoloration and staining of the teeth. The extra scouring power of an electronic toothbrush can aid in removing these types of stains.
Fresh Breath- Halitosis is caused by bacteria or plaque in the hidden recesses of the mouth. Electric brushes have the power to remove bacteria hidden far into the mouth, on top of and underneath the tongue and the back area of the mouth around the molars.
Proven Results- Researchers have found that electronic toothbrush users actually experience an 11% reduction in plaque and a 6% reduction in gingivitis compared to manual brush users.

Dental Care and Deep Cleaning Appointments in Los Angeles, CA

An electric toothbrush would be a great gift to give or receive this holiday season, but remember that there is no substitute for regular dental cleanings and check-ups to maintain your oral health. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for your next dental check-up or deep cleaning. Westside Dental Associates serves families throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Pediatric Dentistry: What is Dental Fluorosis?

November 15, 2014

120104044 Check any tube of toothpaste on the market today, and you will see that fluoride is at the top of the list of ingredients. That’s because fluoride can prevent cavities and even reverse early tooth decay. But studies have shown that if young children are given too much fluoride they can develop severe tooth discoloration, known as fluorosis. The problem is that many years ago, we recognized the benefits of fluoride so we set minimum fluoride requirements in public water sources. It’s estimated that the fluoride in our tap water has reduced cavities by as much as 40%. Today however, we also include fluoride in all dental care products including toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. It turns out that too much fluoride during early childhood, when permanent teeth are forming under the gums but haven’t erupted, can cause young children to develop fluorosis. Once permanent teeth have erupted, fluorosis cannot be developed. If you have noticed tiny white spots, streaks or severe discoloration with a blotchy brown or pitted appearance in your child’s teeth, it’s time to have them checked for fluorosis. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for your pediatric dentistry needs. Westside Dental Associates serves families throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Los Angeles Pediatric Dentistry: Risks of Fluorosis in Children

Your child may be at risk for developing fluorosis if they are:

Getting fluoride in drinking water
Using too much toothpaste and then swallowing it rather than spitting it out
Taking too much of a fluoride supplement
Using a fluoride supplement when the water they’re drinking already contains sufficient amounts of fluoride

Fluorosis Treatment for Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA

Only a dentist can determine if your child’s tooth discoloration can be attributed to fluorosis. If it is determined that your child has discoloration due to fluorosis, there are many dental treatments available. Treatment options include simple techniques like microabrasion, bleaching, veneers or full crowns. The risk of developing fluorosis is just one more reason to make sure your child visits the dentist for a check-up every six months. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for a pediatric dentistry dental check-up. Westside Dental Associates serves kids and adults throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.