Tooth Loss Ramifications

Rise in Periodontal Disease

Today there are 25 million people in this country who have no teeth, and that number will increase to 38 million in  2020. As age increases, so does the prevalence of edentulism (no teeth):  22% at age 45, 36% at age 55, 42% at age 65, and 56% at age 75.  In addition, another 80 million people are missing at least one or some of their teeth.  The greatest risk factors are untreated periodontal disease, asthma, diabetes, dementia, cancer and heart disease.  An individual with heart disease is 4 times more likely to be edentulous than with no heart disease.  Dr. Tupac, a Board Certified Prosthodontist, has solutions for missing teeth.  Dental implants are disease resistant, preserve bone and conserve remaining teeth.  Find more at www.drtupac.com

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

Dental Implant Long-Term Success

A 29 year study of patients treated with dental implants and full arch prostheses at the Mayo Clinic has been published.  The statistics point to the overwhelming fact that dental implants can be a successful long term treatment solution for tooth loss.  The overall survival rates at 20 years were 92% for the implants and 86% for the prostheses.  Over half of the patients (58%) needed some type of prosthetic retreatment or maintenance, with the most common prosthetic retreatment required being replacement of broken screws.  9% of patients experienced implant failure, necessitating change of the prosthesis.

For the full article, see: jopr.12084


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

GERD Dissolves Teeth

Acid regurgitation resulting from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes tooth structure to dissolve.  GERD is a common condition affecting 10 to 20% of the population in Western countries.  A study by Pace showed a 24% prevalence of dental erosion as a manifestation of the disease. It is usually measured in areas of the teeth that do not contact, so the acid is the the known cause.  Now a study also measures the amount of tooth loss. In this new report (ADA Journal, March 2012), authors show that both front teeth and back teeth are affected and the amount of tooth wear is twice as high on surfaces where teeth touch when combined with acid reflux.  Normal tooth wear, with the addition of acid, can be rapid and devastating to your teeth.  If you have excessive or rapid loss of tooth structure, see your prosthodontist for advice and ask your physician about diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux.  

Source: JADA  

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

Tooth Loss Ramifications

A Rise In Periodontal Disease 

Today there are 25 million people in this country who have no teeth, and that number will increase to 38 million in  2020. As age increases, so does the prevalence of edentulism (no teeth):  22% at age 45, 36% at age 55, 42% at age 65, and 56% at age 75.  In addition, another 80 million people are missing at least one or some of their teeth. The greatest risk factors are untreated periodontal disease, asthma, diabetes, dementia, cancer and heart disease.  An individual with heart disease is 4 times more likely to be edentulous than with no heart disease. Dr. Tupac, a Board Certified Prosthodontist, has solutions for missing teeth.  Dental implants are disease resistant, preserve bone and conserve remaining teeth. Find more at www.drtupac.com

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

Why Gum Disease has Warning Signs

What's the number one bacteria source on your body?

Your mouth is full of bacteria--more than any other part of the body--because the digestive process starts there.  Brushing and flossing lowers the bacterial count, but harmful bacteria can still cause gum inflammation. Gum disease starts with surface inflammation, then spreads deeper, until it can even destroy the bone around your teeth.

What are the signs of gum disease?

• red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
• bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
• gums that are receding, making the teeth look longer
• loose or separating teeth
• pus around the gumline
• sores in your mouth
• persistent bad breath
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Left untreated, gum disease leads to tooth loss.  If you have any of the problems listed above, and they persist, then it's time for a dental checkup!

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