Your Los Angeles Pediatric Dentist – Dr. Les Latner

June 25, 2015

Filed under: Flossing,General Dentistry,Pediatric Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 6:45 pm

ThinkstockPhotos-178845072 (1)If you’ve ever asked a child to help you clean up, you may have noticed that they’re not so great at it. Teaching children how to care for their dental hygiene is not easy. At Westside Dental Associates, we emphasize regular checkups and teeth cleanings for our younger visitors, as well as providing oral hygiene education. In Los Angeles, Dr. Les Lanter is the dentist you can trust to care for the whole family. If you need pediatric, general, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles, call to schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Latner Knows Children’s Teeth

Every smile is different, and our smiles change during throughout our lives. Caring for children’s teeth presents different obstacles than adult treatment. Dr. Latner completed a two year dental residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. While he has become a leader in esthetic dentistry and names general dentistry as his passion, there no denying his years of hand on training make him an ideal pediatric dentist as well.

Why Teeth Cleanings Matter

Because of his years of training and experience, Dr. Latner full understand the unique needs of children from the time their primary (baby) teeth begin to emerge, through loss of primary teeth, and development of permanent (adult) teeth. One of the best ways to help your child retain healthy primary teeth is to schedule regular dental hygiene visits every six months. We all know that children are still learning to be effective cleaners. You can’t count on them to do a better job cleaning their teeth than they do making their bed. A thorough cleaning by our outstanding hygienists, and a reminder about at home care tips is essential in build a child’s oral health.

Because primary teeth are weaker than permanent teeth, they are more susceptible to caries (cavities). At regular cleanings, the bacteria on your child’s tooth is thoroughly removed just like your own teeth cleaning. Additionally, primary teeth are checked thoroughly for signs of decay, or problem areas. Sealants and fluoride treatments can also be applied to offer your child additional protection.

Keeping primary teeth strong is more important than you might think. Baby teeth, like adult teeth, help your child to chew, but they are also important as children develop speech. Our teeth allow us to speak clearly. Children whose primary teeth do not develop well, are more likely to have impeded speech. Caring for primary teeth also lays the ground work for healthy adult teeth. If your child’s primary teeth and gums are healthy, they will prepare the way for healthier adult teeth.

Find Out More

If you’re interested in learning more about the outstanding family dentistry offered by Dr. Latner and the knowledgeable Westside Dental Associates team, our convenient “ask the doctor” tool allows you to gather information between visits. Call our Las Angeles practice to schedule an appointment. Westside Dental Associates welcomes patients from surrounding areas including Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Burbank.

Combat Gum Recession With State-of-the-Art Treatment

June 19, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 6:04 pm

Enjoy a new kind of jaw surgery.If you or anyone you know has ever suffered from gum recession, you know just how debilitating this disease can be. In the past, the only way to correct this issue was by using connective tissue grafts. This complex procedure involved two surgical sites combined with a very long recovery period. The results were successful, but the pain and discomfort patients had to endure was too much to bear. Thank goodness for the 21st century and the great advancements that have been made. Now, there is treatment that can help you cope with gum recession — Pinhole Surgical Technique. What makes this system so great is it doesn’t use incisions or sutures. Simply put, it’s the finest gum surgery available at our office in Los Angeles, CA. Your gum line could use a little love, and Dr. Latner is the guy who can restore your gums back to normal.
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Achieve the Flawless Smile of Your Dreams with Porcelain Veneers

April 28, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 6:02 pm

476106489If a picture is supposedly worth a thousand words, how much is a smile worth? If you feel confident about the appearance of your teeth and enjoy sharing your smile with others, then it’s likely worth quite a bit. If your teeth are cosmetically flawed, however, you may prefer to keep your smile to yourself. At the cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Les Latner in Los Angeles, CA, men and women seeking radiant, picture-perfect smiles are invited to explore the possibilities afforded by porcelain veneers.

Advantages of Custom Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, beautifully crafted shells of dental porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are capable of correcting a wide variety of cosmetic flaws simultaneously, transforming your smile in as few as two visits to our office. Due to their material composition, porcelain veneers look and feel completely natural, even reflecting light in the same way that tooth enamel does.

Porcelain veneers are used to create an even, symmetrical, and flawless look, masking one or more of the following imperfections:

  • Cracks or chips in enamel
  • Deep stains and discoloration
  • Uneven spacing or gaps
  • Mild to moderate crowding or misalignment
  • Teeth that are misshapen or too small in relation to surrounding teeth

Because porcelain naturally resists stains caused by dark foods and beverages, you’ll never have to worry about losing your revitalized new look.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

If you’ve been looking for a way to add vitality to your smile and your overall appearance, porcelain veneers might be the perfect solution for you. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Latner, and see for yourself how easy it can be to transform your smile with porcelain veneers. Our West Los Angeles, CA dental practice proudly services men and women from throughout the surrounding areas, including Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

Understanding and Treating TMJ Disorder with Dr. Les Latner

April 19, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 5:56 pm

462039415Do you often wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or a persistent headache? Do you experience stiffness in your muscles throughout your neck, shoulders, and back? These are among the most common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. Left untreated, this condition can lead to further damage to the joints that hinge your jaw to your skull, causing even more pain and limited jaw movement. At the Los Angeles, CA dental practice of Dr. Les Latner, finally find relief from chronic TMJ pain.

TMJ Disorder Treatment for Jaw Pain

The delicate, triangular structures in your jaw joint are susceptible to damage from a variety of sources, but the two most common causes of TMJ disorder are trauma and jaw clenching. When these joints are misaligned or out of balance with the rest of the muscles and ligaments in the face, head, and neck, the result is TMJ pain. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

  • Jaw becomes stuck or locked in an open or closed position
  • Facial tenderness or pain
  • A clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth
  • Pain in the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back
  • Frequent headaches
  • Trouble chewing
  • Facial swelling
  • Earaches and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

With TMJ therapy, Dr. Latner can help you return to a state of comfort and overall well-being, all without invasive treatment or surgery. Patients who have suffered from jaw pain for years are amazed at the difference they feel following treatment.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t spend another day in chronic pain; contact us today to learn more about how Dr. Latner can alleviate your TMJ disorder symptoms. We sincerely look forward to serving you and your family at our Los Angeles, CA dental office, your premier destination for general, preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. We are also happy to serve communities in Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

Stop Snoring & Protect Your Health with Sleep Apnea Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

April 12, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 5:53 pm

147352006While most will agree that snoring can be a nuisance, the lesser known implications of this noisy nighttime breathing may be more serious than a common annoyance. In fact, excessive snoring is among the most common symptoms of a potentially life-threatening condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. At the Los Angeles, CA dental practice of Dr. Les Latner, you can discover real relief from snoring as well as sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance.

The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea

When a person has sleep apnea, their breathing is repeatedly interrupted throughout the course of the night, often causing a severe reduction in blood oxygen levels. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to the following health complications:

  • High blood pressure
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Chronic daytime fatigue, which may result in accidents behind the wheel or at work
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Seizures and other nerve disorders

Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive method of treating sleep apnea: a custom oral appliance that is worn only at night. The oral splint keeps your jaw and tongue in their proper positions, keeping the airway open. Finally, you can enjoy a truly restful night of sleep and more energized mornings.

Explore Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you or someone in your family suffers from obstructive sleep apnea and you’d like to learn more about treatment, please call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Latner. We look forward to helping you discover the innumerable benefits of sleep apnea treatment, including everything from snoring cessation to a reduced risk of disease. Our West LA dental office warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

Oral Cancer Screening: The Simple Test that Saves Lives

April 2, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry,oral cancer — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Les Latner @ 5:52 pm

ThinkstockPhotos-178361153Approximately 43,250 men and women in America will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year alone, and only about half of them will survive to see 2020. This is because oral cancer is most often undetectable in its earliest stages, when the disease is most successfully treated. Instead, it is allowed to progress and develop, claiming another life every hour, 24 hours a day. Fortunately, Dr. Les Latner offers oral cancer screening in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas, giving his patients a clear advantage when it comes to early detection and timely treatment.

What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?

An oral cancer screening and a biopsy is the only certain way to accurately diagnose the disease, but there are certain symptoms you can keep in mind and watch for between visits to our office. The most common signs of oral cancer include:

  • A sore in the mouth that bleeds and/or doesn’t heal within two weeks
  • A thickening of tissue in the cheek lining or under the tongue (may or may not be painful)
  • Whitish or red patches anywhere in the mouth
  • Persistent hoarseness and difficulty swallowing
  • Pain or difficulty in moving the tongue
  • Numbness or tingling

If you notice any of these symptoms or any other abnormalities, contact us right away to schedule your oral cancer screening. We will always take the time to discuss the status of your oral health with you in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand.

Schedule Your Screening Today

If it has been more than six months since your last dental checkup, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today to schedule your next visit. Dr. Latner and his team look forward to welcoming you to our state-of-the-art dental practice in Los Angeles, CA. With a variety of general and preventive dentistry services, including oral cancer screening, Dr. Latner can help you preserve your oral health as well as your overall wellness. Our family-friendly dental office warmly welcomes patients from throughout West LA, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and beyond.

April is National Stress Awareness Month! Alleviate Stress Induced Bruxism with a Custom Nightguard in West LA

March 28, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 6:44 pm

185983980Do you struggle with uncontrolled teeth grinding (bruxism)? Each April, dental and health care professionals across the country join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures of the modern stress epidemic. For dentists, there is a particular responsibility to help patients understand the stress induced habit of nightly teeth grinding, and the negative effects it can have on your dental health. Untreated teeth grinding can result in the fracturing, loosening, or complete loss of your natural teeth. Bruxism not only damages teeth and causes tooth loss, but can also affect your jaw joints, resulting in hearing problems and TMJ disorder, or even changes to your facial features. Don’t let stress induced bruxism rob you of your oral and overall health. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates for a custom nightguard to alleviate your stress induced bruxism symptoms today. Dr. Latner delivers patient centered care daily throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the surrounding communities.

What Is Stress Induced Bruxism?

Bruxism is a chronic condition in which you unconsciously grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. The grinding can occur while you’re awake or asleep. If you clench or grind your teeth during sleep, you are likely to have other sleep disorders as well, such as sleep apnea. Mild bruxism may not require treatment, however, bruxism can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth, and other health problems in some patients.

Do You Suffer From Stressed Induced Bruxism?

While the exact cause of bruxism is not completely known; daily stress can trigger the condition in many patients. It’s estimated that almost 70% of bruxism is stress or anxiety induced. Whether or not bruxism causes pain and other problems may be a complicated mix of factors including poor posture, stress coping abilities, diet, and sleeping habits.

West LA Stress Induced Bruxism Treatment Appointments

If you suffer from stress induced bruxism, Dr. Latner can create a custom fitted nightguard or bite splint to prevent bruxism related tooth damage and alleviate pressure on your jaw joints and facial muscles during sleep. Be proactive with your health and wellness in 2015 and schedule a bruxism treatment appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner is a trusted family dentist, now proudly serving patients of all ages daily throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the neighboring areas.

Tooth Strengthening Restorative Dentistry with Porcelain Inlays and Onlays in West LA

March 22, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 4:44 pm

121353097Do you need to repair a damaged or decayed tooth? If so, you should consider restorative treatment with porcelain inlays and onlays. Porcelain inlays and onlays are a conservative alternative to traditional dental crowns. Also known as indirect fillings, they offer custom fitted, stronger, and longer lasting reparative solutions for tooth decay and damage. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive and healthy tooth restoration method, make your next restorative dentistry appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today.  Dr. Latner delivers quality restorative care 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 Porcelain Inlays and Onlays, and How Do They Restore Teeth?

Porcelain inlays and onlays have both cosmetic and functional benefits. Inlays and onlays are made of tooth colored porcelain and can be used in place of traditional dental fillings and crowns to treat tooth decay and trauma. Dental fillings have to be molded into place but porcelain inlays and onlays are fabricated indirectly in a dental lab before being fitted and bonded to your tooth. Inlays describe restorations that are bonded within the center of a tooth. Onlays describe restorations that require the inclusion of one or more points of the tooth or the full coverage of the tooth’s biting surface.

Why Choose Restorative Dentistry with Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?

  • Inlays and onlays are conservative and preserve more healthy tooth structure
  • Inlays and onlays do not discolor over time
  • Your teeth will be easier to clean with inlays and onlays
  • Inlays and onlays are better at sealing teeth to keep out bacteria
  • Inlays and onlays are extremely stable
  • An onlay can protect the weakest areas of a damaged tooth

West LA Restorative Dentistry Appointments

Dental fillings can reduce the strength of your natural teeth, but porcelain inlays and onlays can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%. To protect and preserve your natural teeth, make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today.  Dr. Latner is a highly qualified restorative dentist, now proudly serving families daily throughout West Los Angeles and the surrounding communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

Escape Your Dental Fear and Anxiety with Oral Conscious Sedation Appointments in West LA

March 15, 2015

Filed under: Sedation Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 3:52 pm

122568441It’s been estimated that about 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of dental fear and anxiety; that’s about 30 to 40 million people! If you have dental fears, you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. You can stand up to those fears, and get the dental treatment you need, with oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation creates a safe and comfortable dental experience for patients who have avoided the dentist out of fear in the past. Make your next dental appointment, relaxed and rewarding, with oral conscious sedation from Dr. Latner and Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner is a compassionate and qualified family dentist, now proudly serving 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 Oral Conscious Sedation?

You will be able to take your sedation medication about an hour before your appointment. The most commonly prescribed oral conscious sedation medications belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. They’re absolutely safe, and they decrease anxiety by binding with receptors in the brain which tone down activity in the parts responsible for fear. Most patients feel calmer and more relaxed after taking sedative medication. Oral conscious sedation produces a mild or moderate sedation experience, where you will remain sedated but alert, responsive, and able to answer questions. However, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home after the appointment, as the effects of the sedatives will take a few hours to wear off.

Do You Need Oral Conscious Sedation?

A phobia is an intense and unreasonable fear. Most dental procedures aren’t painful, however, for those with dental fear and phobia, the very thought of a dental visit can be terrifying. Some patients are so frightened that they go years and years without dental care and will only see a dentist for emergencies. This pattern of behavior can wreak havoc on both oral and overall health causing gum disease, pain, and broken or unsightly teeth. Oral conscious sedation  allows fearful patients to finally receive the dental care they need to stay healthy and smiling.

West LA Oral Conscious Sedation Appointments

If you suffer from dental fear or phobia, schedule the dental appointment you need with oral conscious sedation from Dr. Latner and Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner is an experienced oral conscious sedation dentist, now proudly restoring smiles daily throughout West LA and the nearby communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

Choose Fast, Reliable, and Long Lasting Zoom Teeth Whitening from Dr. Latner in West LA

March 10, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Whitening — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 7:48 pm

478320323Are you tired of teeth whitening products that just don’t work on your teeth? Although there are several teeth whitening options on the market, many patients have discovered that they are not all reliable choices. Teeth whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter teeth whitening products often take several weeks of daily use before yielding any significant results. To be effective, they also require that you stricken everyday drinks like coffee, tea, and soda from your diet for months at a time. Prolonged exposure to these products also heightens the risk of irritated or inflamed gum tissue. All-in-all, the costs of these products  far outweigh any benefits they provide. The most reliable and convenient way to whiten your teeth, is to schedule a professional teeth whitening appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner is a trusted and experienced Los Angeles cosmetic dentist. Westside Dental Associates delivers quality dental care to families daily throughout West LA and nearby cities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

  • Brown Teeth: Brown tooth stains are often caused by consuming coffee, tea, sodas, or red wines. They can also be caused by tobacco use or dental fluorosis (overdose of dental fluoride).
  • Yellow Teeth: Your teeth can naturally darken or yellow over time, because the underlying dentin layer continues to thicken as we age. Dentin formation can also accelerate from the stress put on your teeth from nightly grinding (Bruxism).
  • Gray Teeth: Graying teeth can usually be attributed to the incorporation of dark pigmented molecules into dentin and enamel layers as teeth are forming. This is generally caused by the use of tetracycline antibiotics in childhood.
  • White Spots: White spots on teeth often look like frosted areas on your enamel. These spots can be an indication of early decay, causing the surface of your teeth to appear etched or matted.

West LA Teeth Whitening Appointments

If you suffer from tooth discoloration or staining, make an appointment for professional teeth whitening from Dr. Latner today. Dr. Latner offers Zoom teeth whitening. Zoom teeth whitening is available as both an in-office and take-home treatment. Zoom can be completed in the dentist office in under an hour, or conveniently in the comfort of your own home with custom teeth whitening trays. Either way, Dr. Latner can provide the reliable and long lasting teeth whitening results you’ve been looking for. Westside Dental Associates is the premier cosmetic dental practice of West LA, and the surrounding communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

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