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

Guided Surgery: Lower Teeth In A Day

Here's another example of a patient's teeth in a day experience in our office.  A patient who has upper natural teeth and no lower teeth is a classic dental cripple, because the lower jaw has limited ability to support and retain a denture, and the bone shrinks quickly when the upper natural tooth chewing forces are applied.

Special Equipment

He had a CAT Scan of his lower jaw, and a computer program was used to design implant locations and a clear guide to be used in his mouth.  After the guide was held securely, the implants were placed without making an incision.

The computer also designed a lower fixed bridge that was made in advance in our in-house laboratory.  When the implants were in position, the fixed bridge was screwed down.  The patient went from a lower denture to a lower fixed bridge in a single appointment.

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

Look Younger With Dental Implants

When teeth are removed, the 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, loss of facial and lip muscle tone, and weakening of the chewing muscles.

The main physiological benefit of dental implants is that they preserve bone.  The implants stimulate the jawbone as the tooth roots once did.  By doing so, facial contours are maintained also. With natural lip and cheek support, the implants help maintain your youthful appearance.

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

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Living with Dentures

Dentures are not a substitute for natural teeth; they are better than not having any teeth at all.  Dentures rest on gum tissues that were never intended to withstand chewing forces.  After teeth are removed, the jawbone undergoes a continuous process of atrophy, which presents itself as shrinkage of the gums.  As the bone recedes, the area available to support and retain a denture becomes more compromised.  These continuous changes require that the dentures be refitted or remade at regular intervals.  As the bone shrinks, support for facial musculature deteriorates, musculature weakens and tissue tone flattens.  Dentures can only be cleaned outside of the mouth.  A trained eye can spot a denture from across a room.

The Benefit of  Dental Implants

Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, or an entire arch of teeth.  Because they are anchored in the jawbone, their main benefit is that they preserve the bone.  They create a foundation for the stability and permanence of teeth.  Because of their permanence, they maintain facial and muscle structure.  They are cleaned in your mouth, just like natural teeth.  An entire arch of twelve teeth can be replaced with as few as four (All-on-4) implants.  Sometimes, they implants and prosthesis can be placed at the time of tooth extraction.  To see if you are a candidate, give us a call.


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

Toothlessness: An Emotionally Charged Subject

Oral Health

Poor oral health is generally associated with shame and guilt--while the patient tries to hide such a predicament, the opinion of the rest of the world is unmistakable--it is your own fault!  Poor oral health is self-inflicted, so there is no one else to blame!  That's not always the case.  As a Board Certified Prosthodontic office, we understand the significance of teeth that look good and function well to the lives of our patients.  Good teeth and a healthy mouth are necessary for one's quality of life.

Benefits of Dental Implant

In addition, people are treated according to how others assess their teeth and gums. We know that the loss of teeth changes the shape of the face and jaws, that it alters one's self image, and can affect how people interact and the manner in which they approach intimacy.

If you have teeth that need repair, or replacement, dentures that need to be tightened or remade, or dental implants to preserve your shrinking jawbone, give us a call.  We are here to 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

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

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 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 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

Experts Agree: Standard of Care for a Lower Denture is Two Implants for Retention

The standard of care for an edentulous mandible (no lower teeth) should be the two implant -retained mandibular overdenture (IRMOD).  The authors conducted a 2011 survey of U.S. academic prosthodontic experts to determine their opinions.  Methods:  a Delphi method survey was used in which consensus was defined as a 70% agreement level among panelists.  Results: Consensus favored the IRMOD for 9 of the 10 parameters assessed--retention, stability, speech, masticatory efficiency, comfort while eating soft foods and hard foods, confidence in intimate situations, satisfaction and self esteem.  The exception was aesthetics for which the majority favored the IRMOD but the number was below consensus ranking.  Conclusions:  The panelists reached consensus that they would recommend an implant retained mandibular overdenture instead of a complete denture only as the first choice of care when restoring an edentulous mandible of a healthy patient or a patient with mild systemic disease but not for patients with severe systemic disease.  

Source:  JADA,August, 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

Restore Your Smile And Confidence With Dental Implants

Robert Tupac assisted Martha Sanger, periodontist, in the placement of implants and an immediate fixed provisional bridge, at he same time the patient's lower teeth were removed.  This collaboration gives patients in the Central Valley the option of going from an arch of failing natural teeth to an implant supported screw retained provisional bridge in a single appointment.  Both Dr. Sanger and Dr. Tupac are Nobel Biocare partners.

If you or a loved one experience the embarrassment of slipping dentures, an uncomfortable denture fit, lack confidence in speaking and/or laughing Dr. Tupac can provide a solution in a single day.  Call Dr. Tupac and find out how you can enjoy eating and speaking again with confidence.

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 Denture Wearers Want Implants

Reasons denture wearers want implants:  

• They miss eating their favorite foods.  
• They want to order from the entire menu.  
• They are tired of worrying whether their teeth will pop out.  
• They are sick and tired of adhesives.  
• They want to appear younger and have better facial structure.  
• They want more functional teeth.  
• They want the self-confidence from knowing their teeth are secure.  
• They want to preserve their jawbone from further shrinkage. 

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