Walk to Keep Your Brain Healthy

Mental Health

The Radiological Society of North America has reported another study to add to the increasing body of evidence that physical activity has cognitive benefits.  In an ongoing 20 year study, researchers analyzed the relationship between physical activity and brain structure in 426 people, including 299 healthy adults (mean age 78) and 127 cognitively impaired adults (mean age 81), including 83 adults with mild cognitive impairment (greater than average for age-related memory loss) and 44 with Alzheimer's dementia.  They measured brain volume and administered the mini-mental state exam over the period of the study.

Physical Activity Benefits

The findings showed cognitively impaired people needed to walk five miles per week to maintain brain volume and slow cognitive decline and healthy adults needed to walk six miles per week to maintain brain volume and reduce their risk.  In addition, MMSE scores declined significantly in those who did not walk compared to those who did.

Healthy adults can help maintain their memory and slow cognitive decline, and those with memory loss can also maintain themselves, by participating in physical activity, such as walking.

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

Organic Food and Cancer Risk

Chemotherapy Advisor has just reported data from the United Kingdom's Million Women Study by Oxford University.  Beginning in 1996, it has surveyed more than 600,000 middle-aged women for twelve years.  The researchers removed from the data influences of socioeconomic status, smoking, body mass index, physical activity, parity, and consumption of alcohol, fiber and red and processed meat.  By doing so, they were able to compare two groups solely on the basis of organic food consumption, "never" and "always".

After following these women for 13 years, there was no difference in the overall risk of cancer occurrence between the two groups.  The conclusion reached was that, while there are good reasons to eat organic food, cancer prevention does not seem to be one of them.

For greater detail:  www.chemotherapyadvisor.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

Understanding Cataracts

Over age 40, an estimated 25 million people have cataracts.  Light normally passes through the eye's clear lens to the retina, the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye.  After the age of 40, small clumps of protein can form on the lens and cause it to become cloudy--and the loss of vision cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.  This clouding of the lens is called a cataract.  As there is no way to reverse this cloudiness, the only effective treatment is surgical replacement of the lens with a clear artificial lens.  My patients who have had this quick, painless procedure report that the results are almost immediate and universally beneficial.

Source:  AARP

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

Understanding Lupus

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys.  It is of special interest to me because my wife has the disease, and so do many of my patients.  Here are some facts to help understand the disease:

• it is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and tissue damage
• it is chronic and last a lifetime
• it is not contagious--it can't be caught or given away
• it is not like or related to cancer
• it is not like or related to HIV or AIDS
• it can cause a mild skin rash or achy joints, or can effect internal organs
• it is unpredictable, as symptoms can appear, disappear or change
• it can be mild or life-threatening and requires treatment by a physician
• with appropriate medical care, most people with non-organ threatening lupus lead a full life

Source: Lupus Foundation of America

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

Relief For Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain that commonly comes from one of two sources.  The first is wearing away of the tooth's surface enamel to expose the dentin underneath.  The second is the exposure of the root surface, which is not covered by enamel, by gum recession.  When dentin or root surfaces are exposed, the tiny channels leading to the tooth's nerve are exposed.  When heat, cold, or pressure touches these channels, pain may result.

Teeth Sensitivity Treatment

One in four adults has some tooth sensitivity.  If you've ever felt pain in your teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold foods, you have it.  Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments we employ in our office to treat this problem.  We encourage you to brush with a tooth paste containing fluoride, because fluoride can act to harden the tooth surface.  We have desensitizing agents that may be directly applied to the sensitive surfaces to relieve the pain.  There are also prescription strength mouth rinses that may be suggested.  If you have tooth sensitivity, be sure to bring it up for discussion at your next visit to our office.

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

Lupus and Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a Marker for Disease

Vitamin D deficiency is a marker for disease activity and damage in systemic lupus erythematosus.  Low levels of vitamin D are associated with autoimmune diseases, especially lupus.  It is activated by a chemical reaction made possible by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet B rays.  Since people with lupus may need to avoid sun exposure because of the photosensitivity side effects of medications, this can increase the risk for vitamin D insufficiency, as can kidney failure and treatment with steroids.  209 people were studied at the Ohio State University Medical Center in 2008.  The patients were mostly women, with an average age of 40, having had lupus for an average of eight years and having a variety of clinical features, most prevalent being kidney and skin involvement.  Results in these patients indicated that the more vitamin D in the blood, the lower the lupus disease activity, and vice versa.  The authors recommended that all people with lupus continue to use sunscreen and consult with their physicians about adequate intake of vitamin D. 

Source:  LFA  Research Report  

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

Age-Related Tooth Root Decay

A study comparing the prevalence of decay on tooth root surfaces in two groups--middle-aged adults (aged 45-64 years) and older adults (65 years and older)--shows differences between the two groups.  Middle-aged adults seemed to be prone to this type of decay if they were male, self-reported dry mouth, had exposed roots and increased frequency of eating or drinking between meals.  Older adults did not share the same associations.

Source: JADA, vol. 144, no. 5, 507-516

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

Teeth in a Day Surgical Guide

With the use of a 3D Scan of the patient's jawbone, a computer program can be applied to plan the placement of the dental implants.  From that design, an accurate-fitting surgical guide is fabricated, which allows the precise placement of the dental implants.

In the pictures above, the guide has been fabricated, and when secured in the mouth, provides tubes through which the implants are placed.  The 3D Scan also makes it possible to create the teeth in advance to fit the newly placed implants, so the implant supported fixed bridge can be placed at the same time.  This is an example of one of the many "Teeth in a Day" procedures that we have performed.

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

Importance of Being Board Certified

Board Certified Prosthodontist

After four years of dental school, it takes an additional three years of training to become a specialist.  Completion of such a program only makes an individual eligible to apply for Board Certification.  To become a Board Certified Prosthodontist, one has to have been in practice for five years, and pass two, each a week long, rigorous oral and clinical examinations covering the entire field--history, scientific journal references, properties of dental materials, the most current and sophisticated techniques, etc.--and present a number of documented full mouth reconstruction patient treatments from start to finish.

In addition, the Board Certification must be renewed every few years by passing further examinations on new technological advancements and the latest information in the dental literature.  As a result, even though such a small percentage of dentists are prosthodontists, only a small percentage of prosthodontists are Board Certified because most specialists are not willing to go through the examination process.  It is, therefore, the exclusivity of Board Certification that establishes its value and importance.  For this reason, Dr. Tupac gives you a reason to smile!

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

Advantages of Dental Implants

Implants act like a natural tooth root and support individually made ceramic crowns, bridges or a complete arch prosthesis.

• dental implants have 50 years of success and are a trusted method of tooth replacement
• they act like a natural tooth root, and there is no difference in feeling
• they are made of biocompatible materials and are accepted by the jawbone
• with proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime
• they maintain natural bone and minimize further bone loss by providing stimulation from chewing forces
• they provide stability, retention and comfort for a wide variety of replacement teeth solutions

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

Restore Your Mouth With Modern Technology

Unsecured dentures are an old-fashioned solution for people who have lost all of their teeth.  Wearing them can be painful, inconvenient and awkward.  They are unable to chew a variety of foods, which eliminates many of the foods previously enjoyed.  They also affect the pronunciation of certain words and sounds, affecting natural speech.  A variety of implant based solutions are available.

• removable implant overdentures that attach to two implants with snaps.  This cost effective option holds the denture in place, makes it easier to chew and doesn't affect the sense of taste.  The teeth can be removed for cleaning and the need for denture adhesives is eliminated.
• removable overdentures on an implant bar provide an even more secure fit, because three or four implants provide stronger support for the removable dentures, which still can be removed for cleaning.
• fixed implant supported bridges are a more durable solution for the replacement of natural teeth because they are screwed onto four or more implants.  This solution stimulates bone maintenance, restores chewing function completely, and maintains taste sensation.

Dental implants stimulate the bone and maintain the shape of your jaws and face, preventing the collapsed, overclosed "denture 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

It Took An Attitude Adjustment

Attitude Adjustment

Ask people who have quit smoking, and despite the commercials for all the smoking cessation medications and programs, they all say the same thing:  regardless of what aids they used, what really made the difference is that they made the decision to quit.  Look into alcohol/addiction treatment and even though they are considered diseases, you find there is no medical cure for them and you learn from the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous models that not drinking or taking drugs requires a behavioral change.

When it comes to losing weight and getting in shape, you can do it with a strict diet and exercise program, but how do you keep the program going?  And if you get to your goal, how do you maintain it?  The answer to all of the above is "it takes an attitude adjustment".  What reinforces the new behavior is appreciation and enjoyment of the benefits of your new self.  And so it goes with dental care--keeping your mouth healthy benefits your overall health, makes you feel good and look good, and gives you something to smile about!

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

What Is A Burpee?

Are you looking for one all-around exercise that tones and strengthens muscles and provides a cardiovascular workout?  Try a burpee.

This is how it goes:

• start standing, feet shoulder width apart, arms down by your sides
• bend your knees and squat, keeping your back straight
• get into a pushup position by putting your legs out behind you and your hands on the floor 
• do a push up and then pull your legs into your chest
• go from a squat to standing to jumping up off the floor

Eventually, this becomes a continuous motion--stand, drop, push, jump.  Be sure to keep your back straight, stomach tight and stay balanced.  Doing more and doing them faster gives the cardiovascular benefit.  Experts say if you can do five to ten at once each day, by working muscles in the upper and lower body simultaneously, after a month you'll be in better shape.

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

See What's Possible

Prosthodontists are specialists in restoring the entire mouth--bringing things back to a state of health.  This patient, treated by Dr. Dan Sullivan 39 years ago, shows what's possible!

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

Veneers For Broken, Crooked Teeth

Adults with broken or crooked front teeth are self-conscious when they smile.  Your smile expresses your self-confidence and the way you first present yourself to others.  Porcelain veneers can help you make an impression!

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

Same Day All-on-4 Full Mouth Implants

Dental Implants

The All-on-4 technique allows four implants to be placed in the upper or lower jaw to anchor a permanent bridge of teeth.  It is especially good for patients who have limited bone and do not wish to have bone grafting performed, because the implants are placed in the front of the mouth where most patients tend to have enough bone remaining.  This technique can be used for denture patients, or for those who have to lose all of their teeth.

The implant placement is designed using a 3D scan of the jaws and computer software that programs the precise surgical position of the implants and the permanent teeth they will support.  Typically, when the bone is sufficient in amount and density, a provisional fixed bridge can be placed the same day as the implants.

Patients Testimonials

Here are some comments from satisfied patients:

• "No matter what I did, I just couldn't stop the bone loss around my teeth.  The same day they were removed, the implants were placed and I had permanent bridges.  They looked great, I could eat with them, and there was minimal discomfort.  After the weekend, I was back in the office." Dr. R.G.
• "I had an upper denture for many years and was losing my lower teeth.  I decided to have the implants and couldn't be happier.  I can eat anything." Sandra O.
• "I just couldn't afford to take care of my teeth when I was a kid.  Now I am working and Dr. Tupac took out my upper teeth and put in the bridge all at once.  I have my mouth back."   Brian T.

We have been providing this treatment for many years, with great success.

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

Bioethics: Testing for Alzheimer's Disease

A group of researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center, led by  Howard Federoff, M.D., has developed a test for a biomarker that identifies patients who have very early Alzheimer's disease.  As with most diseases, early diagnosis makes for earlier treatment.  This may be of benefit because the medications for treating the disease are now often given too late to be very effective.

Healthy Lifestyle

There is established evidence that lifestyle decisions--a heart healthy diet, physical activity, and social and cognitive stimulation--help preserve cognitive function.  If a person were to learn that they are at high risk for developing Alzheimer's, they may be more motivated to make healthy changes.  However, since the blood test is only 90% accurate, there is the possibility of false positives.  A positive test must be confirmed by other tests.  For a patient finding out they are at high risk for the disease, however, it could negatively affect their outlook on life.  This bioethical concern is exacerbated by the fact that there is still no effective treatment for the disease.

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 Disease At A Young Age

Medical Conditions Can Ravage Teeth

Sometimes, medical conditions ravage teeth--as in this patient who is not yet 30 years old.  While continued retreatment of the dental decay seems to always result in failure, dental implants are not susceptible to the bacteria that cause decay.  An overall treatment plan is necessary to assess what the health of this patient's mouth will be in the future, with the goal of preserving her jawbone and creating a disease-free environment with dental implants.

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

Keys to a Long Life

An article by Kirk Spitzer in the AARP Bulletin highlights the Nagano region of Japan as the area with the longest life expectancy in the world.  It is also number one in employment rate for those over the age of 65, and vegetable consumption per capita.  According to data from, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, women there can expect to live an average of 87.2 years and men 80.9 years.

Health Information

Aggressive government intervention in this region of 2.1 million people began in the 1980's.  First, health officials hosted seminars and clinics, and even made regular home visits to measure (with the intent of reducing) the salt content in daily meals and make dietary recommendations.  In a single decade the rates of hypertension and related illnesses declined and the life expectancy increased three+ years.  Then, local governments were joined by the business community to disseminate health information and offer widespread blood pressure monitoring.  These preventive measures dramatically lowered average health care costs.

Healthy Lifestyle

Local governments also encouraged all people to exercise and provided public spaces for them to do so.  In addition, they recommended postponing retirement to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Nearly 25% of people over the age of 65 are still in the workforce.  We can all learn from the Nagano experience and hopefully live longer with a healthier diet and lifestyle.

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

Dangers of Multiple Medications

A combined study by the Yale School of Medicine and Oregon State University looked at Medicare patients with multiple chronic conditions and the medications they were taking.  They found more than 22% of these patients were taking at least one prescription medication that could adversely affect a coexisting condition.  Since more than 70% of older Americans have two or more chronic health conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD), which are often diagnosed and treated by different physicians, there is the danger of conflict of these multiple medications.

Your pharmacist is an excellent source of information regarding the compatibility of multiple medications.  And, as always, ask your doctor when given a prescription, if it will have any adverse effect on anything else you are taking or other health issues you may have.

Source:  AARP

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

Medications and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition of reduced or no saliva in your mouth.  Because saliva enhances your ability to taste, aids in digestion and makes it easier to swallow, it affects your enjoyment of food.  In addition, saliva washes away food particles from tooth surfaces and limits the bacterial growth that can cause decay.  Hundreds of medications, including some over the counter drugs, produce dry mouth as a side effect.  They include those used to treat depression, anxiety, and antihistamines.

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

Pedodontists Keep Kids Smiling

Pedodontists (children's dentists) take care of your child's smile.  As soon as your baby's teeth break through the gums, or no later that your child's first birthday, it is time to see the dentist.  Toothbrushing begins with the appearance of the first tooth.  With a child-sized toothbrish, with only a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, gently clean the baby teeth from top to gumline.  After the age of three, the amount of tooth paste can increase to the size of a pea.  Brushing morning an night, spitting out the foamy paste afterwards, will strengthen the developing enamel and prevent future decay.

Source:  American Dental Association

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

Adults May Benefit From Fluoride Treatments

The Veterans Affairs developed a protocol for fluoride use in adult patients based upon the performance of the fluoride treatment on patients with a high risk of dental decay.  The objective was to determine of the fluoride treatments reduced the number of new dental restorations needed.

Restorations

In 2008, 51.8% of patients with a high rate of dental decay were provided fluoride, and the percentage rose to 81% in 2012.  After the four year period, 8.6% fewer patients needed two or more restorations, there was a 10.8% decrease in the average number of restorations, and 3.4% fewer patients required new restorations after the initial 12-month period.

The results indicated that restoration rates rose before fluoride was provided and the number of restorations fell consistently after the application of fluoride to more high risk patients.  Therefore, adults, as well as children, can benefit from fluoride applications to protect their teeth from dental decay.

Source:  JADA, 2014, vol. 145, no. 5, 443-451

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

How To Floss

Flossing

Studies say that only 50-80% of adults floss their teeth daily.  Getting into the habit of doing it regularly makes it pretty simple.  With about 18 inches of floss wrapped around your fingers, your thumb and index fingers can guide the floss between the teeth and wrap it around each tooth beyond where they contact.  It can be guided under the gum tissues and moved up and down.  When you move on the next tooth contact position, use a fresh part of the floss.

If your gums bleed initially, this usually stops after doing it for a few days.  If you floss before you brush, then the fluoride in your toothpaste will get in between your teeth and be able to penetrate and protect the already cleaned sides of the teeth.

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 Need Professional Cleaning Too!

The Journal of ProstheticDentistry (JPD) includes its annual review of the scientific literature.  In the implant section, 2010 literature is  gathered, reviewed and referenced that shows that peri-implantitis (inflammation around implants with bleeding or suppuration on probing, probing depth of more than 5mm or progressive bone loss) is typically a condition of late onset, meaning can occur more than 5 years after implant placement.  Since these infections can occur after many successful years of service, it is clearly important to maintain a regular regimen of dental cleanings and examinations long after placement!


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

Cholesterol? What You Need To Know

Lipoproteins

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the body and in foods and is carried in the bloodstream by proteins called lipoproteins.  Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), "bad cholesterol," carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells in the body, and too much leads to a buildup in the artery walls.  High-density lipoprotein (HDL), "good cholesterol," carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver to be broken down or passed from the body as waste.

Balance LDL And HDL Levels

Too much bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol can cause increased risk of coronary heart disease and artery diseases, as well as strokes. The trick, then, is to lower the quantity of saturated fat intake to reduce LDL as well as use more monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber to increase HDL cholesterol.


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

Porcelain Veneers--24 Years!

We had the pleasure of seeing a patient from long ago at a restaurant last weekend.  There were the same porcelain veneers placed 24 years earlier!

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

Can An Implant Replace An Infected Tooth?

A report in the the Journal of Implant and Advanced Clinical Dentistry of a total of 95 patients (42 female, 53 male) age 19-75 (mean 50.5) with 97 screw type implants immediately placed in molar sites at the time of extraction shows 100% success at three years.  The key to the technique is careful extraction techniques to preserve bone and adequate implant stability upon placement due to obtaining maximum bone to implant contact.  The presence of infection in the extracted teeth was not a contraindication.  On average, the implants were restored with abutments and crowns 12-16 weeks after placement.

Source: JIACD, sept/oct2011,vol3,#6,pp37-44  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

Conservative Porcelain Veneers To Protect Fractured Teeth

A simple misstep can cause you to hit your teeth against something hard enough to cause fractures.

Not all teeth need root canals or crowns.  Sometimes conservative porcelain veneers can be fabricated to cover and protect the teeth, sealing all the fractured surfaces.  This is a nice example!

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

This Is A Healthy Smile

What constitutes a healthy smile?  Pink, firm gum tissues without inflammation.  Symmetrical teeth with a pleasing smile line.  No unsightly decay or old fillings.  Natural light color!

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