root canal therapy Archives - Westside Dental Associates https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/tag/root-canal-therapy/ Tue, 17 Jan 2017 16:12:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Your Go-To Los Angeles Dentist for Root Canal Therapy https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/los-angeles-dentist-4/ Tue, 13 Oct 2015 13:10:17 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=844 In ancient civilizations, people believed that root canal infections were caused by a worm that lived within a tooth, and that killing the worm healed the tooth. When this belief was debunked, historical documents indicate people believed these infections were caused by poorly aligned humors (blood, phlegm, black and yellow bile), and the method for curing root canal infection was extraction and bloodletting. Ironically, both infection removal and tooth extraction are still used to treat root canal infections today. The difference is that modern dental practitioners understand the cause of root canal infection, and can better treat the problem and remove the associated discomfort. At Westside Dental Associates, Dr. Les Latner and his skilled dentistry […]

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]]> Historic root canal therapy not quite what you should expect from your los angeles dentistIn ancient civilizations, people believed that root canal infections were caused by a worm that lived within a tooth, and that killing the worm healed the tooth. When this belief was debunked, historical documents indicate people believed these infections were caused by poorly aligned humors (blood, phlegm, black and yellow bile), and the method for curing root canal infection was extraction and bloodletting. Ironically, both infection removal and tooth extraction are still used to treat root canal infections today. The difference is that modern dental practitioners understand the cause of root canal infection, and can better treat the problem and remove the associated discomfort. At Westside Dental Associates, Dr. Les Latner and his skilled dentistry team help patients relieve the pain of root canal infection, and keep their smiles happy and healthy.

Root Canal Infection Facts from Your Los Angeles Dentist

  • Root canal infection occurs when, due to trauma or advanced decay, a tooth’s interior pulp layer is infected. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels that connect with the body through canals in the root of the tooth. The tooth’s outer enamel and dentin layers are thinnest in the root, and most pulp infections are caused by bacterial buildup and decay beginning in the root. Thus, the infection and treatment are commonly referred to as root canals.
  • Root canal infection and any other dental concern that involves the interior of the tooth falls under the dental specialty of endodontics (endo – inside, odont – tooth).
  • While some patients still require extraction to treat root canal infection, most dentists will preserve natural dentition with root canal therapy.
  • Many patients have learned that a root canal “kills” the tooth, but this is not the case. The pulp and any infection inside the tooth are removed. This includes the nerves and blood vessels inside which were believed to be the “life” of the tooth, but after development, the tooth’s blood vessels serve no function and the nerves are pain receptors. The tooth’s enamel absorbs nutrients (fluoride and phosphates) that strengthen it from the outside.

The Root Canal Therapy Los Angeles Relies OnIllustration of a Dental root canal deterioration on a white background

A recent study by the American Association of Endodontists revealed that there are roughly 40 million root canal procedures performed in the US annually, and that 85% of patients who receive root canal therapy return to the dentist who performed their procedure for future dental care. With a 95% success rate, root canal therapy retains natural dental structure, relieves pain, and puts a beautiful smile back on patients’ faces. Here’s how root canal therapy at Westside Dental Associates works:
  • The first step in the root canal process is removing the infected tissue within the tooth. This is done using increasingly larger files. These files look like tiny swords, and have serrated edges that pull infected tissue out of the tooth.
  • Once the infection is removed, patients may need to undergo a round of antibiotic treatment (topical or oral) to ensure the procedure’s success. This is more likely for severe infections that have spread to the gums or surrounding teeth.
  • For most patients, directly following the removal of infection, the tooth is filled with gutta percha, a biocompatible material that mimics the pulp supporting the dental structure.
  • Finally, the visible portion of the tooth is restored with a dental crown.

Call the Dentist 90064 Residents Trust for Pain Relieving Root Canal Therapy

If you’re experiencing extreme pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, or notice one tooth that is discolored, you may have a root canal infection. Call Dr. Latner and his dental team for pain relieving root canal therapy Los Angeles residents rely on. At Westside Dental Associates, we help patients relieve the pain of root canal infection leaving them with a smile they’re proud to share.

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]]> Dr. Les Latner, DDS: Your Trusted Los Angeles Dentist https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/los-angeles-dentist-2/ Tue, 08 Sep 2015 20:21:17 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=825 When you choose a dentist, you want to make sure he or she is someone you can trust — someone with experience, and compassion. Not only that, but you want to feel at home with the whole team so that from the very moment you walk through the door, you feel relaxed and comfortable. Dr. Les Latner and his team are that option in Los Angeles. At Westside Dental Associates, we combine years of experience with a passion for dentistry to provide our patients of all ages with the excellent dental care we believe everyone deserves. Read on to learn what makes us unique in dentistry. About Dr. Les Latner, DDS Dr. Les Latner has […]

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]]> beautiful smiles from the trusted los angeles dentist dr. les latnerWhen you choose a dentist, you want to make sure he or she is someone you can trust — someone with experience, and compassion. Not only that, but you want to feel at home with the whole team so that from the very moment you walk through the door, you feel relaxed and comfortable. Dr. Les Latner and his team are that option in Los Angeles. At Westside Dental Associates, we combine years of experience with a passion for dentistry to provide our patients of all ages with the excellent dental care we believe everyone deserves. Read on to learn what makes us unique in dentistry.

About Dr. Les Latner, DDS

Dr. Les Latner has been providing top dental care for decades. He’s seen a variety of patients over the years — his record of work even includes being the dentist for the UCLA Bruins football team! Of course, he’s not just about sports dentistry. Dr. Latner keeps up with the advancements in general dentistry with his incredible involvement in a number of associations. In fact, he’s one of fewer than 10 dentists who have achieved accreditation in The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (of which he also serves on the Board) and mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. On top of that, he is a clinical assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry. He has also authored an article published in the Journal of the American College of Dentists. And to get back to his accomplishments in sports dentistry, Dr. Later was also recognized by the Sports Dentistry Commission for the World Cup in 1994 — and then chosen as a presenter at the 1986 Academy for Sports Dentistry National Symposium. As if all of that weren’t enough, Dr. Latner is also affiliated with a number of organizations — click here for a full list.

About the Team

At Dr. Latner’s office, we put a real emphasis on your comfort. We firmly believe that going to the dentist shouldn’t be something you dread, and we want you to feel relaxed and at home from the minute you walk in our door. That’s why we have a gentle, caring and knowledgeable staff that is equipped with all the comforts you need to feel at ease  — like pillows, headphones and blankets. We also stay up-to-date on all the latest dental advancements in order to provide you with the top in comfort. For example, we now offer air abrasion instead of the drill, sedation dentistry and DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection. These are all options Dr. Latner’s office provides to make your trip to the dentist easier, and more pain free than ever before.

Come In To See For Yourself

Dr. Latner is your trusted pediatric, cosmetic and general dentist in Los Angeles. Schedule your appointment in our office and see for yourself today! We’ll never get tired of seeing your beautiful smile.

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]]> Stop Pain in Its Tracks with West LA Root Canal Therapy https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/root-canal/ Thu, 22 Jan 2015 14:11:21 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=612 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 […]

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]]> 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.  

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]]> Root Canal Therapy for Los Angeles and Beyond https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/root-canal-therapy-los-angeles-beyond/ Fri, 28 Mar 2014 18:28:34 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=389 Our teeth are made up of multiple layers. On the outside you have a protective layer of enamel, beneath that is a sensitive layer of dentin, and at the very center of the tooth is the nerve. When a tooth has been fractured or is severely decayed, this inner chamber can become damaged, making the patient vulnerable to an infection and other uncomfortable symptoms. To treat these symptoms and prevent tooth loss, Dr. Latner can recommend a root canal. The purpose of a root canal is to save a compromised tooth, and the root underneath, by removing the damaged nerve and any infected material from the center of the tooth. What’s removed will be replaced […]

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]]> root canal therapyOur teeth are made up of multiple layers. On the outside you have a protective layer of enamel, beneath that is a sensitive layer of dentin, and at the very center of the tooth is the nerve. When a tooth has been fractured or is severely decayed, this inner chamber can become damaged, making the patient vulnerable to an infection and other uncomfortable symptoms. To treat these symptoms and prevent tooth loss, Dr. Latner can recommend a root canal. The purpose of a root canal is to save a compromised tooth, and the root underneath, by removing the damaged nerve and any infected material from the center of the tooth. What’s removed will be replaced by a biologically inert material known as gutta-percha. The procedure will end with the tooth being capped by a custom-made crown. This crown will restore your tooth’s appearance and functionality. Of course, the term “root canal” has a negative connotation, but at Westside Dental Associates, Dr. Latner offers comfortable care with oral conscious sedation. What’s more, our Los Angeles office uses contemporary tools to make care quicker and more efficient. We’ll also talk to you about your procedure beforehand to dispel any myths and answer your most important questions. Are you concerned that you might need a root canal, or do you simply have questions about the procedure? Call Westside Dental Associates for an appointment with Dr. Latner. During your appointment we’ll complete a thorough oral exam to determine what your needs are. Then we can begin putting your personalized treatment plan together. We offer root canal therapy to patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, Culver City, Rancho Park, Westwood, Brentwood, Venice, Marina del Rey, and Playa Vista.

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]]> What Is Root Canal Therapy? https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/what-is-root-canal-therapy/ Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:07:15 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=222 In most cases, when dental care is needed, it’s the protective outer layer of enamel that’s being treated. In some cases, though, the inner pulp, commonly referred to as the “nerve,” needs special attention. This is typically the case after an injury or tooth fracture, or because of a deep cavity. In any of these cases, the tooth could develop an infection. If left untreated, the infection will kill the pulp, putting the tooth in danger of being lost. To prevent this, it’s important to see your local dentist early. That’s because a tooth in danger of getting infected can be saved with a service known as a root canal. For many, the words root […]

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]]> In most cases, when dental care is needed, it’s the protective outer layer of enamel that’s being treated. In some cases, though, the inner pulp, commonly referred to as the “nerve,” needs special attention. This is typically the case after an injury or tooth fracture, or because of a deep cavity. In any of these cases, the tooth could develop an infection. If left untreated, the infection will kill the pulp, putting the tooth in danger of being lost. To prevent this, it’s important to see your local dentist early. That’s because a tooth in danger of getting infected can be saved with a service known as a root canal. For many, the words root canal may inspire anxiety, but today’s advances in technology and technique have made the process more comfortable, especially when paired with oral conscious sedation. With oral conscious sedation, patients of different ages and backgrounds can experience a soothing level of relaxation. What’s more, a root canal procedure can be completed in just one appointment. Here’s what you can expect. Once you’re comfortable and your sedation has taken effect, your doctor will clean out the canal in question and fill it with a biologically-inert substance. Then, the tooth will be sealed with a crown to prevent another infection in the future. For patients who feel sore following their root canal, over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil can help. It’s also important, following a root canal, to make regular checkups, plus daily brushing and flossing, a routine part of your life. Do you need to schedule a root canal procedure? Call us today to reserve a consultation appointment.

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]]> Comfortable, Effective Root Canal Therapy https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/comfortable-effective-root-canal-therapy/ Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:17:06 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=134 Is a severe toothache making it difficult for you to eat? Does drinking hot or cold drinks make you flinch? Have you noticed any swelling in your gums? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need root canal therapy. Root canal therapy has a reputation for being unpleasant, but with today’s technology and techniques, that doesn’t have to be the case at all, especially when paired with sedation dentistry. At Westside Dental Associates in Los Angeles, you’ll find a friendly, experience team ready to help you receive the important care you need to save your tooth, relieve you of your painful symptoms, and improve your oral health. The purpose of root […]

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]]> Is a severe toothache making it difficult for you to eat? Does drinking hot or cold drinks make you flinch? Have you noticed any swelling in your gums? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need root canal therapy. Root canal therapy has a reputation for being unpleasant, but with today’s technology and techniques, that doesn’t have to be the case at all, especially when paired with sedation dentistry. At Westside Dental Associates in Los Angeles, you’ll find a friendly, experience team ready to help you receive the important care you need to save your tooth, relieve you of your painful symptoms, and improve your oral health. The purpose of root canal therapy is to help you save your tooth. Because of deep decay or a serious injury, your tooth—and the interior layer in particular—is vulnerable to infection. Root canal therapy, then, is intended to protect the tooth by removing the vulnerable interior pulp. During root canal therapy, the interior of your tooth will be cleaned and filled with an inert substance. Then, to protect your tooth, it will be capped by a crown, protecting it from harm in the future and restoring your smile’s functionality and health. If you’re worried that you might need a root canal, call Westside Dental Associates to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Latner. Our office serves patients from all around the Los Angeles area.

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