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

February 15, 2015

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

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

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

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

One Visit Mini Dental Implants in West Los Angeles

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

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

February 10, 2015

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

How Often Should Your Child Get a Pediatric Dental Checkup?

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

What Happens During a Pediatric Dental Checkup?

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

West LA Pediatric Dental Checkup Appointments

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

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

January 29, 2015

153177890Have You Been Avoiding the Dental Care You Need? Many patients with dental fear and phobia, cringe at the thought of dental treatment. They simply can’t stand the needles, drills, and other tools commonly used by dentists to treat decay or complete restorations. If you’re one of these patients, you should know that Dr. Latner now offers air abrasion treatments. You can opt for air abrasion to treat small cavities, remove old restorations, or correct discoloration. Air abrasion can also be used with children to prepare their teeth for dental sealants. With air abrasion, your dental fear can be a thing of the past. Make your air abrasion dental appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner employs the latest dental technologies to ensure that all dental treatments are as fast, efficient, and comfortable as possible. Westside Dental Associates serves patients of all ages throughout West LA and nearby communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

What Happens During an Air Abrasion Procedure?

Air abrasion treatment works with a mini sandblaster tool that is used to spray away your dental decay. A narrow stream of particles blasts the decayed portion of your tooth. The stream is composed of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture.  The stream is powered by compressed air that pushes through the dental hand-piece. The decay is displaced by the force of the stream and then vacuumed away through a thin tube.

Why Choose Air Abrasion?

  • No heat, noise, pressure, or vibration
  • Less need for anesthetics (needles)
  • Less invasive
  • Dry procedure
  • Reduced risk of tooth fracturing and chipping
  • Treat multiple sites in one appointment
  • Faster than drilling procedures

How Is Air Abrasion Used?

  • Prepare cavity fillings
  • Remove old composite restorations
  • Prepare a tooth for bonding or sealants
  • Remove superficial staining

Air Abrasion Dental Appointments in West Los Angeles

Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to discover the air abrasion difference. Dr. Latner prioritizes your comfort and care. Westside Dental Associates restores smiles daily for families throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and surrounding cities.

Stop Pain in Its Tracks with West LA Root Canal Therapy

January 22, 2015

Do you have periodic tooth pain and sensitivity? Many patients tolerate tooth pain and discomfort, which are clear signs of infection, because they want to avoid visiting the dentist. They may fear dental work, and so they wait until their pain becomes literally unbearable. But you shouldn’t be waiting for a dental emergency to treat a tooth infection. A simple root canal procedure can immediately eliminate your pain, and save your tooth from further decomposition. Tooth sensitivity can also be a warning sign of infection. Don’t put up with dental problems any longer. Be proactive with your dental health and make your root canal therapy appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Root canal therapy can stop pain and sensitivity and save your natural teeth from extraction. Westside Dental Associates restores smiles daily throughout West Los Angeles and nearby areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

What Is a Root Canal?

Beneath your tooth’s outer layer of enamel is a soft pulp tissue core. This pulp is composed of nerves, arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissues. The nerves enter your tooth at the tip of the roots. From here, nerves run through the center of the root into your root canals. Root canals are tiny divisions that branch off from the pulp chamber to the tip of the roots. You may have anywhere from one to four canals.

Why You Need Root Canal  Therapy

Your dental pulp can become infected with harmful bacteria and die from a deep cavity, fracture, or injury. This dead pulp causes pressure inside the tooth, resulting in inflammation, bleeding, tooth ache pain, and sensitivity. Root canal therapy will remove the dead pulp to stop the infection.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

  • First, Dr. Latner will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around your infected tooth. A rubber dam is then placed around the tooth. Then, a hole is drilled into the crown to access the pulp chamber.
  • Next, Dr. Latner will cleanse and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canals.
  • Finally, the canals are filled with a rubber like material called gutta-percha to prevent future contamination. After being filled, the tooth is permanently sealed. Finally, a dental crown is cemented over the tooth to restore its full form and function.

West LA Root Canal Therapy Appointments  

Make an appointment with Dr. Latner for the root canal therapy you need today. Dr. Latner is an experienced and compassionate restorative dentist. Westside Dental Associates proudly serves families throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and nearby areas.

 

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

January 15, 2015

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

Why Choose Invisalign?

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

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

How Do You Get Invisalign?

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

West Los Angeles Invisalign Appointments

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

Renew Your Smile in 2015 with West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers

January 10, 2015

88014878Do you want a new smile for the New Year? If you have resolved to finally fix your teeth in 2015, Westside Dental Associates can help. With a new set of porcelain veneers, you can quickly and easily correct discolored, chipped, broken, and crooked teeth for good. West Los Angeles porcelain veneers can help you achieve the “picture perfect” smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t spend another year hiding your teeth. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner for your new set of West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers today.  Westside Dental Associates 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.

What Are West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers?

West Los Angeles porcelain veneers are custom designed, ultra-thin shells of tooth-colored materials placed over the front surface of your teeth to improve or correct cosmetic imperfections.

How Are West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers Attached? Porcelain veneers usually take three visits to complete.

  • First, you’ll come in for an initial consultation. Dr. Latner will discuss the cosmetic results you wish to achieve. You’ll get a full dental examination to ensure that West Los Angeles porcelain veneers are the most appropriate procedure for your situation. You may also get x-rays and impressions taken of your teeth.
  • At the second visit, Dr. Latner will prepare your tooth for the veneer by removing about half a millimeter of enamel from the surface. This amount is equal to the thickness of the porcelain veneer to be placed. Next, Dr. Latner will make an impression of your tooth to be sent out to a dental lab for fabrication. The fabrication process can take a couple of weeks.
  • At your final visit, Dr. Latner will place the porcelain veneer over your tooth to examine its fit and color; trimming the veneer if needed. Before the veneer is permanently bonded, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and roughened to achieve a strong bond. Then, Dr. Latner will apply a special curing light to the veneer to activate the bonding cement. Finally, the excess bonding cement will be removed, your bite will be evaluated, and any final adjustments will be made. You may need to schedule a follow-up visit to ensure that your West Los Angeles porcelain veneer placement has been completely successful.

What Can West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers Fix? Porcelain veneers are an incredibly versatile cosmetic dentistry tool. They can easily fix:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Spaced teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Misaligned teeth

West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers Appointments

It’s time to rejuvenate your smile. Make your West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today.  Your 90064 dentist serves families throughout West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and nearby areas.

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

December 29, 2014

183238224Some 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

78814148Dry 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

493983015Are 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

71704983Before 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

  1. 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.
  2. Chew Sugar Free Gum- Sugar free gum contains the ingredient Xylitol, which can help fight cavities and reduce tarter build up.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.