Risk Factors and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

October 29, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry,oral cancer — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 7:30 pm

187921993Over 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. It is more common among men than women, and risk factors include excessive tobacco use, alcohol use and sun exposure. About 20 -30% of head and neck cancers have been linked to HPV (human papillomavirus) infections. HPV involves a type of oral cancer that attacks the back of the tongue and the tonsils. Oral cancer can form anywhere in or around the mouth, on the lips, inside the cheeks, on the gums, on the tongue, on the roof of the mouth, or on the surfaces underneath the tongue. As with any cancer, early detection is vital. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for your oral cancer screening. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Oral Cancer Warning Signs

If you are experiencing any of the following you should make an appointment for an oral cancer screening immediately:

  • Mouth sore that lasts more than a few weeks
  • A lump or mass in the mouth or on the neck
  • Bleeding in the mouth
  • White, red, or white-and-red patches in the mouth that don’t go away
  • Pain while swallowing, chewing or talking
  • Persistent earaches
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty wearing dentures

Oral Cancer Screenings in Los Angeles, CA

Checking for oral cancer is a part of the routine semi-annual dental checkup. An oral cancer diagnosis involves a physical exam, a CT scan, and a biopsy. Successful treatment outcomes depend upon how early it is detected. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for your routine oral cancer screening. Westside Dental Associates serve patients throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

How Effective Are Toothache Pain Home Remedies?

October 22, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 7:21 pm

462459381If you have ever had a toothache, you know that it is one of the worst kinds of pain you can experience. If you have a severe toothache, it is a dental emergency and you should get to a dentist as soon as possible. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t see a dentist immediately. If this is the case you may be tempted to try anything that can stop or even dull the pain temporarily. We found some home remedies that may help relieve the pain while you wait to see the dentist. It’s important to keep in mind that the best way to deal with a toothache is to prevent it from happening by taking good care of your teeth in the first place. You can prevent painful toothaches by making an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner helps patients keep their teeth healthy and pain-free everyday, and he can help you too. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West LA, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and nearby cities.

Toothache Pain Home Remedies

  • Clove Oil- Soak a cotton ball with a mixture made of two to three drops of clove oil and ¼ teaspoon of olive oil. Put the cotton ball in your mouth near the tooth that hurts and bite down to keep it in place.
  • Cough Drops- Cough drops usually contain a small amount of anesthetic (menthol or benzocaine) which could help relieve minor tooth pain. Pop one or two in your mouth and suck on them. Also try applying a dab of Vick’s VapoRub on the outside of your cheek where your tooth hurts.
  • Floss- The root of your toothache could be food that’s trapped between your teeth. In this case, try flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, or using inter-dental brushes.
  • Tea- Try applying a hot tea bag directly to the tooth. Tea contains tannic acid, which reduces swelling. Also try a cucumber slice placed on the tooth or a cotton ball soaked in brandy.

Toothache Pain Relief and Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

While these remedies may provide some temporary relief, it’s still important to see a dentist as soon as possible as a toothache can be a symptom of more serious dental problems. Rather than waiting around for a toothache, be proactive with your dental health and make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner can help you prevent toothaches and gum disease. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and nearby cities.

Dental Care at Night

October 10, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 7:10 pm

166620328Taking good care of your teeth and gums is a 24/7 endeavor. You may already know that dentists recommend brushing in the morning and before you go to sleep at night, but you may not be aware of other steps you should be taking at night to protect your oral health. Get informed and then make an appointment to see Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner specializes in preventative and restorative dental care for patients throughout West Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and the surrounding communities.

Nightly Dental Care Routine

Having a good dental care routine at night is important to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. At night we don’t swallow and our mouths can dry out, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth. If we forget to brush and floss before bed, the bacteria will have plenty of food particles at their disposal to turn into tooth eroding acid. You can stop this from happening by remembering to brush, floss and rinse with antiseptic mouthwash every night before you go to sleep. If you have a history of tooth decay and gum disease, or are at higher risks for developing those concerns, you may also need to brush and floss after dinner to decrease the likelihood of their development.

Dental Care at Night for Bruxism

Another problem you may have at night is a condition called bruxism, more commonly referred to as “teeth grinding”. Bruxism occurs in people with a bite misalignment and crooked or missing teeth. You may not even be aware of the condition except for a dull throbbing and persistent headache or toothache that won’t go away. Excessive bruxism can cause chronic dental care problems such as tooth loss and painful disorders of the jaw like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). The good news is that teeth grinding can be easily treated with a custom-fitted nightguard from our Dr. Latner.

Quality Dental Care in Los Angeles, CA

Prevention is the key to a healthy smile. If you are proactive in your dental care, you will save a lot of time and money on dental treatments for conditions that can be prevented with a comprehensive dental care routine. The most important step you can take is to make an appointment to see Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner wants to partner with you to maintain your good oral health. Dr. Latner proudly serves patients throughout West Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and the surrounding communities.

Are Genetic Dental Problems a Myth?

September 29, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 9:07 pm

177035393The answer to this question is both yes and no. Genetic dental problems are no myth. Scientists have found that genetic factors cause about 60% of the risk for tooth decay. While tooth decay isn’t an actual gene in the body, your genes do determine factors that are directly related to your ability to avoid tooth decay. Dr. Latner is an experienced Los Angeles area dentist that can help you find a treatment plan to fix your dental problems if you find yourself on the losing end of genetic tooth decay risk factors.

Genetics Can Increase the Risk of Developing Dental Problems

You can’t blame your parents for all of your dental problems, but you can blame them for passing on a few risk factors. Scientists have identified five genetically determined factors that affect your body’s ability to combat tooth decay.

  • Sweet Preference- The stronger your genetic preference for all things sweet and sugary, the more likely you are to overindulge, which will increase your risk for tooth decay.
  • Enamel Strength- If you have inherited soft enamel, it will be easier for bacteria to find a home there, which can lead to more cavities.
  • Tasting Ability- Some people possess the ability to perceive a wider variety of flavors than others. Though research has not yet discovered why this is the case, studies have revealed links between taste ability and cavities. The greater measure of your ability to taste a variety of flavors, the less likely you are to have tooth decay.
  • Saliva Strength- Saliva plays a big role in the proper metabolization of nutrients like calcium and potassium. Genetics make some people better at this metabolization process than others.
  • Microbiome- Your body’s immune system response to these communities of bacteria in the mouth can affect your ability to fight off tooth decay.

Dr. Latner Can Help Los Angeles, CA Patients Fight Genetic Risk Factors for Dental Problems

The remaining 40% risk of tooth decay can be attributed to environmental factors. These include your diet, dental hygiene habits, smoking habits, access to dental care, culture, and some socio-economic factors. The most widespread environmental factor increasing the risk of tooth decay is the consumption of sugary drinks. Although tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in the world, an important factor to decrease your risk of tooth decay is to get regular dental check-ups from an experienced dentist. Dr. Latner has been helping his patients fight tooth decay and perfect their smiles for many years. You can contact Dr. Latner today to fight back against tooth decay and protect your healthy smile. He proudly serves all Los Angeles, CA communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and West LA.

Three Cheers for Laser Dentistry!

September 22, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,General Dentistry,Pediatric Dentistry,Restorative Dentistry,Sedation Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 8:56 pm

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.

Pediatric Dentistry and Sports

September 15, 2014

Filed under: Pediatric Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 8:47 pm

76649015No matter how old your children are, protecting their teeth is a top priority. Injuries to teeth have the potential to affect your child for the rest of his or her life. The key to protecting their beautiful smiles is prevention. You should start bringing your child to regular dentist appointments as early as age two. As they grow and become more active in activities like soccer, football, karate and cheerleading, it becomes necessary to protect their teeth from sports injuries as well. If you’re thinking about allowing your child or teen to participate in contact sports, contact Dr. Latner for an appointment today. Dr. Latner serves families in Los Angeles, CA Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

Pediatric Dentistry and Custom Mouthguards

The first step to ensure your child is protected while participating in any contact sport is to take them to the dentist to be fitted for a custom mouthguard. While almost all sports organizations require children to wear mouthguards, there is no strict quality standard for the mouthguards themselves. This means that your child may not be adequately protected from injury.

You have three choices in mouthguards. The cheapest option is the stock mouthguards sold in sporting goods stores. They are not customizable and rarely fit well. This lack of protection could cause your child serious injuries if they were to be hit near the jaw bone or back teeth. The next best option is the “boil and bite” mouthguards which are somewhat more customizable. However, they may still be unable to protect the back teeth, or stay in place. If your child must clench the mouthguard to keep it in place, their ability to speak or breathe correctly could be hindered. A custom mouthguard made specifically for use in sports and recreational activities is the single most effective option.

Pediatric to Adolescent Dentistry

As your child grows into a teenager, his dental needs will grow and change as well. While encouraging your teen’s healthy dental habits — like brushing and flossing regularly — is important, you also need to make them aware of the unhealthy habits that will affect their oral health. For example, the sugar and acidic flavorings in soda can cause their tooth enamel to erode and can cause the development of cavities. Experimenting with tobacco products can, among other things, cause their teeth to turn yellow or brownish shades and can eventually lead to oral cancers. Developing eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia can also cause permanent damage to the mouth, gums and throat. At this stage in their development, parents must be proactive in making sure that their teens develop good oral health habits.

Trusted Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Latner can be a trusted resource for every stage of your child’s healthy smile development. Bringing your child in for visits early and often will foster a positive attitude towards visiting the dentist that will keep their teeth healthy for the rest of their lives. Contact us today to schedule your child’s next appointment. Dr. Latner serves children and adults throughout Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

The Cosmetic Dentistry Boom

September 10, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants,Whitening — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 8:41 pm

187872302It’s hard to think of dentistry without thinking of teeth whitening, veneers, or natural looking porcelain crowns. However, dental treatments weren’t always focused on improving both the health and appearance of your teeth. In the not so distant past, dental treatment only concerned itself with the treatment and cure of dental maladies like tooth decay and gum disease.  Today, having good-looking teeth has merged with having a healthy mouth, and cosmetic dentistry is now a part of an all-inclusive dental treatment package. Although not an official branch of dentistry according to the ADA, cosmetic dentistry has fast become one of the most popular type dental solutions. Dr. Latner works to provide Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities with comprehensive treatment plans, each designed to address both the health and appearance of their teeth.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry encompasses any procedure that improves the appearance of your teeth. This includes: removing teeth stains, professional teeth whitening, reshaping teeth, filling gaps and cracks, placing crowns, veneers, bridges, dentures, dental implants and oral restorations through dental fillings. Advancements in technology have made it possible to get these restorations done and enhance the appearance of your teeth in a single dental visit. Whitening or bleaching is by far the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the United States.

Why is cosmetic dentistry so important?

Many surveys have shown that tooth loss and decay can significantly deteriorate quality of life for most people. Improved appearance is directly proportional to improved self-esteem. Imperfect smiles can effect personal self esteem and diminish confidence. This can affect your ability to form healthy personal relationships, and can also affect school and work productivity. Simply put, your smile is important.

Representing approximately 41 percent of the total population, Baby Boomers are the first generation to realize the importance of a great smile. The appearance of our teeth naturally changes as we get older. They may stain, yellow or decay. Baby Boomers made the move from hygiene to image enhancement. This desire to improve appearance — partnered with significant advances in the cosmetic dental industry itself — has contributed to the rise of cosmetic dentistry.

Quality Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA

Although having a great looking smile is important, your first priority should be to have a healthy smile. Dr. Latner will work with you to achieve this goal while also addressing your aesthetic concerns. In this case, health and beauty go hand in hand. Continuing advancement in biomimetics (mimicking nature) and biocompatibility (implants that match perfectly with the body and work permanently without causing any harm) have set the stage for the future of cosmetic dentistry industry. Contact Dr. Latner today to achieve your perfect smile. Dr. Latner proudly serves all of Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

August 19, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 9:09 pm

177232118There are many reasons why someone would be insecure about their smiles, and living with a smile you feel as though you are settling for is never easy. Having teeth missing from your smile can have detrimental effects on the way you feel about yourself as well as the way you interact with the people around you. Because many people consider a smile a first impression, not being able to be one hundred percent confident is an awful feeling to have. Fortunately, Dr. Les Latner is able to restore your smile using dental implants to his patients in the Los Angeles, CA community.

The important first step to dental implants is making sure you have a consultation with Dr. Latner. There, he will be able to evaluate your smile in its current condition, evaluate your bone density, and determine whether or not dental implants are right for you. You can also take that opportunity to bring up any questions or concerns you may have, as we think it is important you remain as comfortable and knowledgeable throughout this entire process as possible.

If you are a candidate for dental implants, a titanium post will embedded into your jaw. Not only does this replace the missing tooth root, but it also fuses with your jaw bone over time, generating new and healthy bone growth as well as establishing a strong bond. With proper time and healing, the crown is then added. The crown resembles a tooth exactly, so your new smile will look natural and beautiful! At the end of the procedure, you have the smile you have always wanted that you cannot wait to show off! If you would like Dr. Latner’s help restoring your smile using dental implants, 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.

Love Your Smile Again with Cosmetic Bonding

August 8, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 9:07 pm

137110504As much as we would like for things to stay in the same pristine condition that we got it, life does not work that way. From a scratch on your car to a stain on your favorite shirt, life definitely has a way of leaving evidence, and it is not always pretty. Unfortunately, the same goes for your smile. Throughout the years, your smile will stain and chip, causing the overall appearance to be less than appealing. If you feel as though there is nothing you can do to bring back the life your smile once had, you are in luck! Dr. Les Latner is able to rejuvenate the smiles of his patients by offering cosmetic bonding at his Los Angeles, CA dental office.

One of the main reasons why cosmetic bonding is so wonderful is because it is able to effortlessly cover up years of wear and tear on your smile in a single appointment. Being able to cover stains, cracks, chips, misalignments, gaps, and more, there is virtually nothing cosmetic bonding cannot take care of! All you have to do is contact our office today and reserve your appointment to have the smile you felt as though you lost.

Cosmetic bonding works by applying a tooth-colored composite onto your smile. The color of the composite is determined by the color of your original smile, allowing for your transformation to look as natural as possible. Once the desired shape is accomplished, Dr. Latner will polish the area, making your new smile shine! At the end of the procedure, your smile is beautiful, and definitely a smile people will envy!

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.

Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers from Westside Dental Associates

April 30, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 1:31 pm

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!

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