Implants Keep Bone Loss from Occurring and Altering How You Look

We stress implants for a very good reason:  it's the only way to prevent bone loss in your jaw when teeth are missing.  Over time, bone loss distorts your appearance, which is obviously something you don't want and we don't want.  Implants are the best way to keep bone loss from occurring and altering how you look. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Implants Keep Bone Loss from Occurring and Altering How You Look

We stress implants for a very good reason:  it's the only way to prevent bone loss in your jaw when teeth are missing.  Over time, bone loss distorts your appearance, which is obviously something you don't want and we don't want.  Implants are the best way to keep bone loss from occurring and altering how you look. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Implants Treat the Disease of Bone Loss

The bone around tooth roots is a special kind of bone:  alveolar bone.  It receives stimulation from the roots of the teeth it encloses.  Alveolar bone is healthy unless subject to inflammation from periodontal (gum) disease, which cause it to recede, or if the forces of chewing are greater than the capacity of the bone to withstand.  The full-mouth series of radiographs above clearly shows some teeth, and some segments of teeth, to have significantly reduced levels of bone.  The one universal truth about alveolar bone is that it resorbs (shrinks) when teeth are removed, because the bone loses its stimulation.  The best thing about dental implants is that they preserve bone.  Placed as soon as possible after tooth loss, the implants stimulate bone in the same way that natural tooth roots used to.  This means that possible dental implants  should ideally be included in treatment planning before teeth are removed.  A CT Scan can be used with dental imaging software to determine the exact location, size and number of implants.  By preserving bone, dental implants counteract the results of tooth loss and aging, and help control facial changes.  They give you the security of knowing things will stay in place when you eat, talk and smile.  They contribute to your comfort, quality of life, and self esteem.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Baby Boomers: Your New Denture Is A Facelift

Teeth vs Denture

People with their natural teeth have all the esthetic advantages over denture patients.  Their jaws are fully developed and their back teeth maintain the height of their bite, therefore keeping the height of the lower third of their face in proportion with their midface and forehead.  Their front teeth supply the lips and corners of their mouth with support.

Bone Loss

When you lose your teeth, all that changes.  The removal of teeth results in loss of half of the bone that supported them in two years or less!  Patients say their gums shrink, but it is really the bone underneath their gums that is receding.  The upper jawbone shrinks up and back, and the front teeth of an upper denture move in the same direction, causing loss of lip support, deteriorating muscle tone and more wrinkles.  The lower jawbone shrinks down and back, and the lower front teeth recede accordingly.  The upper and especially the lower jaws in the back shrink also, and the height of the bite of the dentures becomes "closed."  All of these changes create that characteristic "denture look"--one of facial collapse.  For the denture wearer, looking in the mirror daily, it isn't as noticeable (like watching your hair go gray), but the changes are dramatic and can best be seen in photographs over time.

If this has happened to you, then you are ready for your facelift with a new set of dentures.  A new set of dentures will recapture the height of your bite, place the front teeth where the natural ones used to be in order to reestablish lip and cheek support, eliminate wrinkles. and make the lower third of your face more in proportion with the rest of your face.  The new set of dentures is what makes those looking at you unable to know you wear dentures!

We love to do create new, younger looks for our denture patients!

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Board Certified Prosthodontics: Comprehensive

Treatment Options

Sometimes people are desperate, but are not willing to do what they need to do, even when they are able.  As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, while we very much enjoy "single tooth" dentistry--crowns, veneers, single implants, etc. (and do these things with the most current technologies available)--we see many patients who have been told they are at the end of the line.  These patients have multiple problems: missing teeth, broken down teeth, gum disease and bone loss.  As difficulties increase, people can feel overwhelmed.

At any stage of dental disease, however, there are always options!  The beauty of a comprehensive examination and evaluation is that it includes discussion about needs, wants and priorities.  In this manner, treatment options are considered in terms of benefits and expectations.  

Today there are more ways to achieve a great smile and have function, too.  We can find a worthwhile solution that fits! 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Oral Health--Osteoporosis Connection

What is Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduced density of bones, and subsequent tendency to fracture, caused by aging, menopause, and lack of vitamin D and calcium.  More women than men are affected by the condition.

Osteoporosis Affects Teeth

For those people with teeth, studies have shown that osteoporosis affects the bone surrounding the roots of the teeth, resulting in loss of bone height or causing tooth mobility.  Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gum tissues.  When that inflammation spreads deeper, below the gumline, to the tissues that attach to the root or are close to the bone around the roots, then the condition has become periodontitis.  Therefore, for the patient with osteoporosis, who also has gum inflammation, there is a greater risk for that inflammation to progress to periodontitis and cause tooth loss.

For the patient who has no teeth and wears complete dentures, osteoporosis causes more rapid loss of the bone that forms the ridges upon which the dentures rest.  Less bone means a denture with less retention and stability, with concomitant discomfort and lack of function.  This bone loss also requires the dentures to be relined or replaced more frequently.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Implants Treat the Disease of Bone Loss

The bone around tooth roots is a special kind of bone:  alveolar bone.  It receives stimulation from the roots of the teeth it encloses.  Alveolar bone is healthy unless subject to inflammation from periodontal (gum) disease, which cause it to recede, or if the forces of chewing are greater than the capacity of the bone to withstand.  The full-mouth series of radiographs above clearly shows some teeth, and some segments of teeth, to have significantly reduced levels of bone.  The one universal truth about alveolar bone is that it resorbs (shrinks) when teeth are removed, because the bone loses its stimulation.  The best thing about dental implants is that they preserve bone.  Placed as soon as possible after tooth loss, the implants stimulate bone in the same way that natural tooth roots used to.  This means that possible dental implants should ideally be included in treatment planning before teeth are removed.  A CT Scan can be used with dental imaging software to determine the exact location, size and number of implants.  By preserving bone, dental implants counteract the results of tooth loss and aging, and help control facial changes.  They give you the security of knowing things will stay in place when you eat, talk and smile.  They contribute to your comfort, quality of life, and self esteem.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Implants Keep Bone Loss from Occurring and Altering How You Look

We stress implants for a very good reason:  it's the only way to prevent bone loss in your jaw when teeth are missing.  Over time, bone loss distorts your appearance, which is obviously something you don't want and we don't want.  Implants are the best way to keep bone loss from occurring and altering how you look. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

The Importance of Bone Density

Osteoporosis

As we grow older, our bones begin to lose their density and strength, especially after the age of 50.  Many factors affect bone density, including diet, physical activity, family history, hormones, lifestyle and certain conditions and medications.  Osteoporosis--porous bone--is a disease that weakens bones, especially hip, spine and wrist, and makes them more likely to break.  It affects about 10 million Americans, 8 million of whom are women.  The disease affects more women than cancer, heart disease and stroke combined. 

Osteoporosis affect women than men

An additional 34 million Americans have osteopenia, or low bone density, and are at risk for developing osteoporosis.  Broken bones, as a result of osteoporosis, will affect 50% of women and 25% of men over the age of 50, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.  To prevent broken bones, many people with low bone density or osteoporosis take drugs called bisphosphonates (fosomax, boniva, actonel, reclast, etc.).  Studies indicate that, in many people, these medications help reduce the chance of breaking bones by reducing bone loss and increasing bone density.  

Osteonecrosis

In rare cases, a condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been reported in patients taking these medications.  This rare but serious condition can cause severe damage to the jawbone.  94% of those diagnosed with ONJ are patients with cancer who are receiving or have received repeated high doses of medication through an intravenous infusion.  The benefits of these medications greatly outweigh the very low risk of developing ONJ.  You should not stop taking these medications without consulting your health care provider.  There is no known prevention for ONJ.  However, regular dental visits and excellent oral hygiene practices may be the best way to reduce your risk.  

Source: American Dental Association, JADA, vol. 142, #11, 1320, Nov. 1, 2011

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Get a Bone Density Test

How to check your bones

A bone density test measures your bone strength and if you are at risk for osteoporosis. The test is painless and is like an x-ray scan of your body and takes about 15 minutes.

If you are a woman age 65 or older, schedule a bone density test.  If you are a woman between 50 and 64, ask your doctor if you need one.  If you are a man over 65, discuss it with your doctor.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that has no signs or symptoms.  It weakens bones and makes them more likely to break, especially bones in the hip, spine and wrist.  It is most common in older women.  One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will break a bone in their lifetime because of osteoporosis.

To protect your bone health, get enough calcium and vitamin D.  The calcium shopping list includes low fat or fat free milk, cheese and yogurt, almonds, broccoli and greens, orange juice with added calcium, and calcium supplements.Get enough vitamin D from salmon or tuna, fat free or low fat milk with vitamin D, some cereals and juices and yogurt with added vitamin D, and vitamin D supplements.

Stay active!  Physical activity slows bone loss.  Moderate aerobic activity and strengthening exercises can make a big difference.

Source:  National Health Information Center


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., 
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309