A Single Dark Front Tooth

A single dark front tooth is a common occurrence, most often the result of trauma.  The discoloration can develop 1 to 20 years after the trauma, and the tooth may be either vital or non-vital.  It may or may not require, or have had, root canal therapy.  A tooth can also darken after root canal therapy.  The most conservative method of recapturing the tooth's original color is by bleaching, which may be done either externally or internally, or both.  If fillings need to be replaced, they may be done in a lighter color.  If the tooth requires a veneer or crown or cap, it can be done to match the adjacent, natural teeth.  We treat dark teeth with all of the modalities available, and are happy to discuss all treatment options for patients needing this kind of help.

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

Your Mouth And Teeth Age Too

Paul had a 3-tooth fixed bridge for 15 years until one of the anchor teeth (that had a root canal and gum surgery) failed in 1978.  So, it grew to a 4-tooth bridge that lasted until 1986, when the next anchor tooth failed.  Two dental implants were placed in 1988, which held a new fixed bridge, until a third implant was placed in 1990.  This 4 tooth fixed bridge supported by three implants exists to this day.  Paul's experience illustrates that, even when everything that could be done had been done, his mouth kept changing.  Your Board Certified Prosthodontist has the specialized training and experience to help you with your dental needs.


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

Your Mouth And Teeth Age Too

Paul had a 3-tooth fixed bridge for 15 years until one of the anchor teeth (that had a root canal and gum surgery) failed in 1978.  So, it grew to a 4-tooth bridge that lasted until 1986, when the next anchor tooth failed.  Two dental implants were placed in 1988, which held a new fixed bridge, until a third implant was placed in 1990.  This 4 tooth fixed bridge supported by three implants exists to this day.  Paul's experience illustrates that, even when everything that could be done had been done, his mouth kept changing.  Your Board Certified Prosthodontist has the specialized training and experience to help you with your dental needs.

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

Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis in Cancer Patients

As reported in the American Dental Association Journal, the prevalence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis in patients with cancer could be as high as 13.3%, which is more common than previously thought.  Bisphosphonates are the group of medications commonly used to treat bone weakening in older patients.  An important side effect is the risk, though small, of bone necrosis in sites that are surgically exposed, as in dental extractions or dental implant placement.  The authors examined studies in this area and separated out those with documented follow-up (those in which dental experts participated) and found the rate, in cancer patients, to be 13.3% instead of the previous reported average of 6.1%.  For patients without cancer, the prevalence of BON (bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis) for patients receiving oral bisphosphonates is 0.10%.  The implications of this new information for the dental practice are: the possibility of deferring oral surgery and considering non-surgical approaches such as root canal therapy, fixed bridgework or removable partial dentures for patients who are receiving antiresorptive therapy.  JADA 2/2012

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

A Single Dark Front Tooth

A single dark front tooth is a common occurrence, most often the result of trauma.  The discoloration can develop 1 to 20 years after the trauma, and the tooth may be either vital or non-vital.  It may or may not require, or have had, root canal therapy.  A tooth can also darken after root canal therapy.  The most conservative method of recapturing the tooth's original color is by bleaching, which may be done either externally or internally, or both.  If fillings need to be replaced, they may be done in a lighter color.  If the tooth requires a veneer or crown or cap, it can be done to match the adjacent, natural teeth.  We treat dark teeth with all of the modalities available, and are happy to discuss all treatment options for patients needing this kind of help.

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

Root Canal vs. Dental Implant?

Dark Teeth May Be a Sign of Trauma 

A single dark front tooth is a common occurrence, most often the result of trauma. The discoloration can develop 1 to 20 years after the trauma, and the tooth may be either vital or non-vital.  It may or may not require, or have had, root canal therapy. A tooth can also darken after root canal therapy.The most conservative method of recapturing the tooth's original color is by bleaching, which may be done either externally or internally, or both. If fillings need to be replaced, they may be done in a lighter color. If the tooth requires a veneer or crown or cap, it can be done to match the adjacent, natural teeth. We treat dark teeth with all of the modalities available, and are happy to discuss all treatment options for patients needing this kind of help.

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

How Treating a Tooth is like Building a House

Healthy Foundation Makes a Strong House

The goal of root canal therapy is to prevent and eliminate infection at the apex (tip) of the root
of the tooth. Then what? Treating a tooth is like building a house. A root canal ensures the foundation is healthy, but the structure on top must be properly constructed.

Many classical studies show that the restoration of the top of the tooth is essential to seal the tooth and prevent root canal re-infection. Greater success is observed in teeth restored with permanent restorations within 2 months of completion of the root canal treatment. Crowns are considered the restoration of choice for endodontically treated posterior teeth. In fact, statistics show root canal treated teeth not crowned are lost at a rate 6 times greater than teeth crowned after root canal therapy.

The thing to remember, then, is that even though the root canal therapy may get you out of pain, treatment isn't finished until the tooth is restored permanently.

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

The full mouth rehabilitation specialists

What full mouth rehabilitation needs 

Prosthodontists are specialists in restoring broken down teeth and fixing your bite. This young
man needed root canals, gum treatments and crown and bridgework. Check out the result!

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