Visit Our Patient Info Section

June 30, 2014

FormsAre you going visiting our Los Angeles dental office for the first time? Do you have questions about some of the services we office? Do you want to read up on the latest in dentistry? Visit our website’s Patient Info section. When you visit this section, you’ll find helpful links that will help you answer your questions, in addition to our new patient forms.

Downloading and filling out our new patient forms before you come in will let us get started on your paperwork as soon as you arrive at our office. If you have any trouble printing our forms, let us know and we’ll be happy to send or fax them to you.

For your questions about our office, such as what insurances we accept and whether we take referrals, see our Your Questions page. Here you’ll find basic information about how our office operates and what you can expect from our office.

On our page for Articles & Links, you’ll find information specifically related to the services we offer, including information on dental implants, porcelain veneers, Invisalign, Zoom! Whitening, and so much more.

Do you still have questions? Call our Los Angeles dental office. Our team would be happy to answer any questions you might have. We serve patients from Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and all nearby areas.

Root Canal Therapy for Los Angeles and Beyond

June 20, 2014

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 to restoring functionality and appearance.

Anxiety-Free Care with Conscious Oral Sedation

Have you put off care for a toothache or abscessed tooth because of anxiety? Let Dr. Latner talk to you about conscious oral sedation. With conscious oral sedation, you can look forward to a more comfortable and relaxing appointment as we administer the important care you need.

Do you have questions about how a root canal can help you? Call Westside Dental Associates for a consultation appointment with Dr. Latner. During your appointment, we can talk about your symptoms. Based on our conversation, we’ll put together a treatment plan, and we may recommend conscious oral sedation. If you have any questions about what we recommend, let us know. We want you to feel confident about the plan we recommend.

Our Los Angeles office serves patients from Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and beyond.

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

If enough time goes by, you may lose your tooth to the infection. Having a gap in your smile creates a new set of obstacles to good oral health. First, nearby teeth will shift out of alignment. Second, your jawbone will lose bone tissue, because you don’t have a root there to stimulate the growth of new tissue. And third, as your jaw loses more bone tissue, you could end up losing other teeth.

Thankfully, there’s a way to treat infected or abscessed teeth with root canal therapy. In our next post, we’ll talk about what a root canal is and how it can help you enjoy good oral health again.

Do any of these symptoms sound like what you’re experiencing? Call Dr. Latner’s Los Angeles dental office to schedule an appointment with us. We’re happy to serve the dental needs of patients from Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and all surrounding areas.

Foods That Are Good for Your Smile

June 10, 2014

general dentistryWhen 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 to decay. Some research also suggests that the probiotics found in yogurt help protect the delicate soft tissue of the gums.

Foods High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial because of the nutrient’s special anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation and infection are both components of gum disease but foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can help you safeguard your smile.

Chocolate

Chocolate lovers everywhere, rejoice! It may sound too good to be true, but research indicates that cocoa can also help you stave off inflammation, in addition to protecting against decay. Just be careful about what kind you eat. It’s better to choose a dark chocolate that’s low in sugar.

Water

Not only does water help us keep our bodies hydrated, it’s also good for washing away food and preventing the mouth from becoming too dry. A dry mouth encourages bad breath and cavities; drinking water throughout the day can help you discourage both.

Do you have questions about what other foods can help you support your oral health? Call Westside Dental Associates with your questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Latner. We serve patients from Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and beyond.

Why Is a Straight Smile Important?

May 30, 2014

Straight SmileThis 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 services for helping patients create straight smiles: Six Month Smiles and Invisalign. Both aim to give patients beautiful results as discreetly as possible, and in as short an amount of time as possible. They work in different ways, though.

Six Month Smiles uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires to move teeth into their ideal position in just a matter of months. Treatment with Invisalign can take between 12-18 months but doesn’t use brackets and wires at all. Instead, Invisalign uses a series of carefully designed trays that are both clear and removable.

Which of these two options is right for you? Dr. Latner would be happy to help you find out. During a consultation at Westside Dental Associates, we will assess your needs and talk to you about your options. Afterwards, if you have any questions about what we recommend, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re always happy to answer the questions our patients have.

Call us today to schedule your appointment. Our office is in Los Angeles and serves patients from Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and beyond.

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 Associates? Take a moment to read and watch the testimonials from our Los Angeles area patients. We also invite you to read about the many services we offer. We offer excellent general, cosmetic, and restorative care to our patients using many of today’s best tools.

Call us today if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Latner. We serve patients from Los AngelesBrentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and beyond.

A Cosmetic Makeover for the Second Half of 2014

May 9, 2014

cosmetic dentistryWith 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 we can put together a plan you’ll love.

Two of our most popular cosmetic dentistry services include: teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Often, these services are used separately, but for some patients a combination of the two makes for the perfect cosmetic makeover plan.

Other services include porcelain crowns and tooth-colored fillings. Both of these have a cosmetic and restorative function. In other words, they help us improve the appearance of smiles, but they also help us treat cavities or support teeth that are compromised in some way.

Which of these cosmetic or cosmetic-restorative services are right for you? Dr. Latner would be happy to consult with you on a treatment plan.

Don’t let the second half of 2014 get away from you without considering cosmetic care from Westside Dental Associates. Call us today for an appointment. We serve patients from Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and beyond.

The Best Brands of Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouthwash

May 2, 2014

BrushingThere 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 loose, woven floss is very effective. In places where contact is tighter, though, you’ll want waxed floss that can easily glide through narrow passages.

Mouthwash

As with the many toothpastes and flosses available, the best mouthwash for you depends somewhat on your needs. Crest Pro-Health again provides patients with great all-around care, while Scope and Listerine are both known for fighting gingivitis and giving you fresh breath.

Do you have questions about which oral care products are right for you? Dr. Latner would be happy to talk to you about your needs and recommend solutions that can help you. Our Los Angeles team can also talk to about proper brushing and floss technique so you can be sure that you’re giving your smile the care it deserves.

Call us today to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and beyond.

Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers from Westside Dental Associates

April 30, 2014

Shutterstock Healthy GumsYour 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 to fit your unique dentition, they look and feel entirely natural, allowing you to smile once again with complete confidence. Porcelain veneers are durable and highly resistant to stains, so you’ll enjoy a luminously white smile for years to come.

The porcelain veneers process is relatively simple. First, you visit our conveniently located office once to have impressions of your teeth taken and to discuss your goals with Dr. Latner. Then, you come in once more to have your veneers affixed to your teeth. Before you know it, you’ll be leaving our office with a brand new smile completely free of common cosmetic flaws.

Some of the aesthetic dental issues that are easily corrected with porcelain veneers include the following:

  • Yellowed, stained, or otherwise discolored enamel
  • Cracks or chips in enamel
  • Mild to moderate crowding or crookedness
  • Slight gaps between teeth
  • Teeth that are oddly shaped or sized

Let Dr. Latner give you the smile you’ve always wanted with customized porcelain veneers.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Enjoy the numerous benefits of a beautiful, radiant smile with porcelain veneers from Westside Dental Associates after just two easy visits to our Los Angeles, CA office. From your initial consultation to the final placement of your gorgeous new veneers, our team is here to help you attain the confident, charismatic smile you want and deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment, or to find out more about our comprehensive array of cosmetic dentistry solutions. Our skilled, experienced doctors proudly serve patients from throughout the Los Angeles area, as well as surrounding communities in Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and beyond. We can’t wait to give you something to smile about!

Children’s Dentistry You Can Trust in Los Angeles, CA

April 20, 2014

Shutterstock Little Girl at DentistWhen 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 she currently has, the fact remains that these teeth still require consistent care during these early, formative years. Regular visits to Dr. Latner’s office, beginning by the age of about one or two, ensure that your child’s oral health is in great shape with routine cleanings and checkups. We’ll check to make sure that the jaw and teeth are developing as they should, and that any problems – including cavities – are detected early for more successful treatment.

Because we understand that visiting an unfamiliar place can be intimidating, we take extra steps to make sure our youngest patients feel welcome, comfortable, and safe in a fun, relaxed environment. Dr. Latner and our team will keep you, the parent, informed and up-to-date with all important information regarding your child’s oral health and treatment. Before you know it, your son or daughter will find that they truly enjoy visiting the dentist for their biannual checkups!

Serving Your Entire Family’s Dental Needs

Your child’s smile is precious. Ensure that your little one’s pearly whites stay beautiful and healthy with all-encompassing pediatric dentistry services from Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner happily welcomes patients from throughout the Los Angeles, CA area, including families from neighborhoods in Mar Vista, Venice, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Rancho Park, Playa Vista, West LA, Culver City, Marina del Rey, and more. Contact our office today; we can’t wait to provide your son or daughter with their best dental experience yet!

« Newer PostsOlder Posts »

Have Questions? Get Answers.