Showing posts with label Bakersfield Dental. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bakersfield Dental. Show all posts

October 10, 2014

How To Reduce Bad Cholesterol By Diet Planning

This blog has previously shown evidence that lowering cholesterol levels has been demonstrated to lower the risk of heart disease.

A low cholesterol diet plan works by lowering the quantity of saturated fat intake to reduce LDL cholesterol as well as using more monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber to increase HDL cholesterol.

"Bad" cholesterol is found only in foods from animals, not in plant foods.  Reducing the amount of meat, replacing beef, pork or lamb with fish or chicken, and increasing the amount of whole grains and vegetables reduces the amount of saturated fat intake.
  • when eating meat, choose lean cuts and trim away all visible fat and skin before cooking
  • USDA cuts marked Choice and Select are leaner than Prime
  • meat baked or broiled over a rack allows fat to drain; frying seals in the fat
  • stews and soups, when refrigerated, allow fat to be skimmed off
  • processed meats, usually high in saturated fat, are to be avoided
Here are some other tips, also:
  • saturated fat in dairy products (butter, milk and cream) can be reduced by using low-fat milk or cheese
  • soluble fiber is found in oatmeal and oat bran, kidney beans, brussel sprouts, pears and apples; brown rice and whole grain pasta also  lower cholesterol
  • trans fats act like saturated fats and are found in commercially baked and fried foods, like donuts, French fries, cookies, muffins, crackers, pies and cakes.
  • cholesterol is found in egg yolk, but not in egg whites, which are protein rich.
  • monounsaturated fats, which help reduce cholesterol levels, are found in canola oil, olive oil or peanut oil, rather that cooking with corn oil.


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

October 08, 2014

Enjoy Healthy Habits, Live Longer--Details

There is a fun and informative site at Hive Health Media.

A blog post by Doug Robb detailed how adults who perform at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week live longer than those who don't.

Check it out: www.healthhabits.ca/2012/12/18/how-to-live-longer-and-better/

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

September 22, 2014

Conservative Porcelain Veneers For Fractured Teeth


A simple slip and fall can result in fractured teeth.  Sometimes the most conservative method for restoring the result of this kind of trauma is porcelain veneers, made in our in-house laboratory.

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

September 19, 2014

How To Take Charge Of Your Health Care

The more you play an active role in your health care, the better quality of care you will receive.
Most people depend upon different doctors, nurses, pharmacists and insurance programs for their health care.  It's a team effort, and you (the consumer--patient) are the most important member of the team. To take charge, follow these steps:
  1. Keep track of important health information, kept in one place.  Include name, birth date, blood type, emergency names and phone numbers, list of medical providers, dates of checkups and tests, list of shots received, health conditions, allergies and current medications.
  2. Know your family health history.
  3. Keep regular checkups, because early detection means easier treatment.
  4. Make the most of your doctor visits:  take a list of questions to ask, take notes on your doctor's answers, talk about changes since your last visit, and possibly bring a relative or friend with you to remind you of questions or help you remember information.
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

September 17, 2014

If You Are A New Patient, You Deserve...

...the best prosthodontic care we can give in Bakersfield, California!

Each dental office you may visit has its own character.  That character is often defined in the office's mission statement, which reflects the doctor's and team's attitudes towards patients, their dental health, and the manner in which they will be cared for.  In ours, our goal is to be empathetic regarding your dental wishes.

Time:  we strive to be well rested and have the patience to listen to all you have to say.

Objective:  we can't change your dental past and we won't make judgments about it.  We will use our energy in a positive direction for you.

Choices:  we offer the balance of current knowledge and techniques, up to date technology, and long term clinical experience.  Our specialty training offers you options to choose from.  We consider examination, diagnosis and treatment planning to be the foundation of our relationship with new patients and a key to successful treatment.

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

August 21, 2014

Before You Have Your Bite Adjusted

As a patient, you should know that "bite adjustments" are sometimes controversial in dentistry.

Dentists frequently make simple alterations in your bite--with a new filling or crown, or a fixed bridge or removable partial--and your mouth's adaptability to the change takes care of things. However, if you have symptoms--jaw joint pain, head and neck muscle strain or pain, or even tooth pain--then it is necessary that a Prosthodontist diagnose of the cause of the symptoms before any alterations are made.

Diagnosis involves the appropriate film studies, of the teeth and joints, and examination of your occlusion (how the teeth come together) by means of models study mounted on a device (articulator) that reproduces your jaw movements.  It also involves an in-depth discussion regarding parafunctional activities, such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching.

Removable custom bite appliances are used both as a diagnostic and treatment tool, to determine whether changes in your bite could be beneficial before making permanent alterations to your teeth.
The goal of any bite alterations is to relieve or eliminate symptoms and minimize stress to the joints, muscles and 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

July 31, 2014

Your New Smile From Your Board Certified Prosthodontist

Your Board Certified Prosthodontist uses the latest techniques and technology to perfect your smile.  In our in-house laboratory, with its 3-D scanning capability and milled all- zirconia porcelain, we restore teeth to their natural form, color and function.

Aesthetic restorations can help you achieve a more natural looking smile and improve your teeth's natural beauty and strength.

We replace stained, chipped, worn or missing teeth with inlays, crowns, veneers, bridges, and implants using the most advanced aesthetic restorations to bring back your beautiful 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

July 14, 2014

Implants Replace Missing Teeth

As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, my experience has shown that the most predictable and effective method of replacing missing natural teeth is with dental implants.  Here's an example of implants we have placed and restored in 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

Guided Surgery: Upper Teeth In A Day







We have the technology to take you from a complete denture to an implant supported fixed bridge in a single appointment.

This denture patient had a CAT Scan of her upper jaw.  We applied a computer program to that scan to design implant locations, and a clear guide to be used in the mouth to place the implants without making any incisions. The guide was secured in her mouth and the implants placed.

The computer program also designed her fixed bridge in advance, and we made it in our own in-house laboratory.  After we placed the implants, the bridge was screwed into place.

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

July 11, 2014

Every Missing Tooth = Implant

As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, I believe that the ideal way to replace missing teeth is with dental implants.  In several lectures, I have postulated that every space can be filled with an implant.  Here's an example of implants we have placed and restored in 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

June 27, 2014

Look Better And Younger With Dentures From Your Board Certified Prosthodontist


When teeth are removed, our jawbone begins a continuous, lifelong process of resorption, or shrinkage.  As a result, there is a collapse of facial support, less height in the lower third of the face and weakening of chewing muscles.  A well made set of dentures from your Board Certified Prosthodontist can recapture much of what is lost cosmetically, but not functionally.  The evidence is that dentures can generate only 15-25 lbs. of chewing force, compared to the 125 lbs. of force that natural teeth can.  That's why fibrous foods like meats, fresh vegetables, lettuce and unpeeled fruit, which take up to 60-70 lbs. of force to chew through, are so difficult to manage.

A set of dentures is not meant to last forever because your denture was made to fit the original shape of your oral anatomy and that shape changes as the gums and bone underneath recede.  Often you don't notice the gradual shrinkage that causes them to loosen and become unstable, affecting you in a number of different ways.

New Set of Dentures

With bone loss, the denture slips and moves.  Lips, cheeks and tongue struggle to compensate and form words.  Shrinkage also affects the alignment and balance of the upper and lower dentures and creates chewing insufficiency.  Denture wearers are more prone to dietary inadequacies as a result.  If you're developing wrinkles and that sunken "denture look" of closing too far, it may be time for a new set of dentures.

With a new set of dentures, you'll look better and younger with the lip and facial support that you need, and have a smile with a more natural appearance.  You'll speak clearly again, chew better, and best of all, will feel better about yourself.
  
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

June 10, 2014

Time for a New Front Tooth?


Replacing an Old Crown Can Enhance Your Mood

Replacing that old crown on your front tooth with today's more advanced dental laboratory technology can make all the difference in the world in how you look, smile, and feel about yourself.  With our in-house laboratory, we can create whichever restorative solution is best for your dental needs. As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, Dr. Tupac welcomes the opportunity to help you! 

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

June 04, 2014

June Is National Smile Month



If your teeth bother you, we can make you happy when you look in the mirror!

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

March 13, 2013

Cleft Palate? See A Prosthodontist!



A cleft palate presents itself in a number of different ways.
Mindy had a cleft palate, with no bone and no tooth in her upper left lateral incisor location.  The adjacent teeth had shifted towards the defect, even after orthodontic therapy.  Without bone for an implant, and knowing that surgical reconstruction of the defect with a bone graft wasn't a sure thing, she chose to have a fixed bridge to replace the missing tooth and straighten her front teeth.  You can see how it worked out.


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

February 26, 2013

Coalition for Oral Health for the Aging

Compendium reported a survey conducted by the Coalition for Oral Health for the
Aging (
www.micoha.org). 
As patients age, and their manual dexterity and cognitive skills decline, maintaining oral health becomes more of a challenge.

It focused on how to prepare aging patients for their future decline in oral care. Preparing for the future involves educating patients before their retirement regarding the benefits of routine care visits in the prevention of problems.

The effects of increased use of prescription medications on oral health need to be understood.  The truths vs myths of aging teeth need to be discussed.


 Dental Treatment Planning for the Future 

Preparing for the future includes dental treatment planning for 50 to 70 year of age for restorative work, when they are healthy and able to have it completed, that will withstand the total failure of oral care that can occur as part of the aging process. By focusing on prevention, patients need an oral hygiene protocol of daily oral care, fluoride application and regular professional cleanings. In the elderly population, the primary goals of oral health include removal of infection and strategic preservation of what can be restored and maintained.  A stable bite and a focus on function are important to ensure the ability to have a healthy diet.

To read about the survey in greater detail, see Compendium, Feb 2013, vol 34, no 2, pp150-151, or go to www.dentalaegis.com/cced

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)

February 25, 2013

Lung Problems and Lupus Sufferers



According to the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center, 50% of people with lupus will experience lung issues during the course of their disease. Although, the underlying connective tissue disease is the root cause of lupus-related lung problems, the exact mechanism differs for each of the most common conditions:
  • pleuritis (pleurisy)--inflammation and fluid buildup between the lungs and chest wall, causing pain
  • pneumonitis--inflammation of the lung tissue itself caused by an infection
  • pulmonary emboli (blood clots)
  • other kinds of problems having to do with the blood pressure of lung vessels
The two most common symptoms are shortness of breath and pain with breathing.  Treatment centers around the specific lung problem.

More information is available at:  www.lupus.org

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)

February 22, 2013

S-T-R-E-T-C-H!!!





Many of us have strenuous  jobs.  Dentistry is one of them.  For the last 30 years, I have found considerable benefit from treatment by chiropractors.

They believe there are five health-related components of physical fitness:
  • muscular strength
  • muscular endurance
  • cardiorespiratory endurance
  • body composition
  • flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to move your joints and muscles through a normal range of motion, and a regular flexibility and stretching program has the following benefits:
  • increased circulation to muscles, nourishing them, eliminating waste products and decreasing recovery time after injury
  • improved posture with loose muscles and less discomfort
  • better coordination due to improved range of motion to maximize balance and mobility
  • stress relief, because loose muscles are less likely to spasm during periods of tension

Several health-related web sites have simple stretching programs available.  Finding a routine that best fits your lifestyle can make you feel better and younger!


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)

February 20, 2013

Alcohol-Free Chlorhexidine Mouthrinse



Chlorhexidine mouthrinse is a prescription rinse that specifically attacks the bacteria that cause gum inflammation, and is commonly used in patients with periodontal conditions.

A study by Todkar compared the efficacy of alcohol-free chlorhexidine mouthrinse, chlorhexidine containing alcohol and a placebo of water in terms of controlling gingival plaque and reduction of gingival inflammation in patients with gingivitis.

Measurements were made at the beginning, after 14 days and after 28 days.
The study concluded that the alcohol-free rinse was as effective as the one containing alcohol in controlling plaque and reducing gingival inflammation, and can be recommended for periodontal patients, especially those for whom the use of alcohol may lead to side effects.

Reported in: Dentistry Today, Feb., 2013, from Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry, Fall 2012, vol 10, issue 3, pp 291-296.


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)

February 19, 2013

Garlic VS Milk

How to prevent garlic breath with milk?


According to research noted by ScienceDaily, a study in the Journal of Food Science published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) found that drinking milk while eating garlic-heavy food can reduce the bad breath associated with garlic consumption.

They found fat-free and whole milk lowered the concentration of odor-emitting compounds from garlic both in the nose and mouth.

For further details, go to:  www.sciencedaily.com/releases


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)

Osseointegration Study Club



Osseointegration Study Club of Japan meeting


www.facebook.com/OJOsseointegrationStudyClubOfJapan
Robert Tupac participated in the 25th anniversary meeting of the Osseointegration Study Club of Southern California and Osseointegration Study Club of Japan meeting. A selection of nationally and internationally known presenters focused on the parameters of minimally invasive to total arch regeneration and the latest research on implant surgery and loading. Selected topics included clinical practice of minimally invasive implant dentistry, minimally invasive sinus augmentation procedures, CAD/CAM zirconia abutments, three dimensional bone augmentation, long term clinical results of the All-on-Four concept, experimental determination of peri-implant mucosal stability and its interpretation, the benefits of reduced diameter abutments and implant/soft tissue connection, and the future of implant dentistry. 

With 25 years of experience with implant placement and prosthetics, Dr. Tupac has witnessed the evolution of implant design and surgical technique and prosthetic designs and restorative approaches. These issues affect the short and long term realities of implant restorations, their maintenance and the prevalence and management of complications support for a screw retained provisional fixed bridge placed at the same time the implants are placed. The technique may also be performed at the same time natural teeth are extracted.




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)