Your Board Certified Prosthodontist Knows Best

The training of prosthodontists enables them to perform more complex procedures and employ advanced strategies.  They envision the patient's function and final smile before dental implants are placed.  The board certified prosthodontist's design from implant placement to the final restoration delivers the best results.

What does it mean to be board certified?  Not all those who call themselves specialists have really had American Dental Association accredited training.  Similarly, not all those who are trained are board certified.  The American Board of Prosthodontics administers the process, like that in other dental and medical fields.  It involves completing a comprehensive, written and oral examination, and demonstration of the diagnosis, treatment and results of patients over a period of years, all presented to a panel of examiners.

The result of passing the multiyear process is the recognition of being a Diplomate of the American Board.  To maintain board certification, Diplomates are required to demonstrate their commitment to their continuing professional education by attending or presenting scientific lectures or publishing articles or textbook chapters.  Dr. Tupac, in 2013, completed the recertification process.

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

Facts About Lost Teeth and the Need For Treatment

The ADA Specialty Scan--Prosthodontics gives the following statistics about missing teeth:

• more than 35 million Americans have no teeth (are edentulous) and 178 million U.S. residents are missing at least one tooth
• among seniors, the ratio of edentulous people is 2 to 1, about 23 million are edentulous and 12 million are edentulous in one arch
• nine out of ten edentulous Americans have dentures
• the number of partially edentulous Americans is expected to rise to more than 200 million over the next 15 years
• about 15% of the edentulous population has dentures made each year

Source: American College of Prosthodontics

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

Single Tooth Prosthodontics

Restoring a single front tooth can be one of the most difficult tasks in dentistry.  In our prosthodontic office, with our in-house master technician, we have the ability to tackle esthetically demanding situations.

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 Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional three or four year American Dental Association accredited residency program after dental school.  It includes lectures and seminars, and intensive laboratory and clinical experience.

Prosthodontists are experts in diagnosis, treatment planning and restorative procedures.  They restore oral function and improve the esthetic appearance of smiles through:

• replacement of broken, worn, or decayed teeth with crowns, veneers or inlays
• placement of dental implants and implant crowns and prostheses
• replacement of missing teeth with bridges
• fabricating removable partial or complete dentures
• restoration of occlusion
• management of TMJ disorders and bruxism

Dr. Tupac is the only full time Board Certified Prosthodontist in Bakersfield.

Source:  American Board of Prosthodontics

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

Common Dilemma: Retreat or Testify

As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, our office is considered the end of the line in the treatment of complex dental problems.  Often also, we are faced with the task of retreating dental work previously done by another dentist.

The California Dental Association Code of Ethics is very clear: it is unethical for a dentist to be both a treating dentist and an expert witness at the same time.  Why?  Because of the inherent conflict of interest--it is too tempting to testify in a cause of action if financial gain can be gotten.  Money has no morality.

In addition, both patient and practitioner must understand that not all dental work lasts forever.  The temptation to think that failure (or the need for retreatment) implies fault, and the progression from blame to the supposition of negligence is not consistent with the fact that, in dealing with human beings, no guarantees are possible.  The science and art of dentistry is continually evolving with a better understanding of the reasons that things done today can be better that than things done in the past.

So, being Board Certified and seeing these patients all too often, I long ago decided the best way to approach them is to be open and honest:  I can't and won't treat you if you want me to testify on your behalf.  It's one or the other.

My lifelong preference has been to treat, not to testify.  The satisfaction of making a patient whole again is the best testament to the fact that Prosthodontics can make most patients comfortable, functional and aesthetic.

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 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

Since You Stuck Your Tongue Out...

From singers to sports players to personal selfies, there are a lot of people sticking their tongues out these days.

What about those spots on your tongue?  Are they the result of infection (causing swelling and redness) or ulcers (cold sores, herpes, gum disease, fungal infections, or chicken pox)?  Or are they allergic reactions to food that result in white and red spots?  Or are they caused by trauma, vitamin deficiencies, antibiotics, smoking, canker sores, or cancer?

If you have any questions or concerns, see our Board Certified Prosthodontist.

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

Board Certified Prosthodontist: Recertification

In order to maintain his Board Certification in Prosthodontics, Dr. Tupac has to complete hours of continuing education yearly and in a ten year period, and pass a written recertification examination based on literature studies of the recent developments in the specialty of prosthodontics.

Dr. Tupac passed this recertification examination last year, and continues to be the only full time Board Certified Prosthodontist in Bakersfield and the Central Valley of California.

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

My First Published Article: Because Experience Matters

Ever get a new crown and the bite just doesn't feel right?  Like you bump into something when you grind around?  As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, I know that when you get a new crown, your bite has to be correct.  Not only when you bite all the way together, but also when you move from side to side.  In the laboratory, crowns are usually made on metal devices that do not reproduce jaw movements completely.
In this published article, my first in the dental literature, I demonstrated, by having done over 130 pantographic tracings of jaw movements, that the jaw's complete capacity to move when you move your teeth to the side and forward and back, needs to be induced, or aided by the prosthodontist.  That's how your new crown is tested in my office before it is placed.  You have the confidence of knowing your bite is right and will be comfortable.

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

Eat What You Want With Dental Implants

Dentures Vs. Dental Implants

Dentures are not a substitute for natural teeth; they are a substitute for having no teeth at all.

Gums were never intended to withstand chewing forces--people with dentures can generate only 15-25 lbs. of chewing force, compared to the 125 lbs. of chewing 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 with dentures.

With dental implants holding your teeth in, you can order from the entire menu!

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

Smile More With Dental Implants

Dental Implants Restore Patient Confidence with a New Smile

The denture patient said:  "It takes so much effort to use my tongue and lips to hold my dentures in place, I avoid smiling."

Full Dentures Move

Since full dentures sit on soft tissues, which are compressible, they move.  Since full dentures are surrounded by things that are always moving--lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth--they move.
Dental implants hold teeth in place, preventing that movement.  They make you smile more!


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

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

Board Certified Prosthodontists Treat Oral Fungal Infections Common for During Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment, involving radiation therapy or chemotherapy, results in a high incidence of oral and gastrointestinal side effects.  Prosthodontists see patients with oral candidiasis on a regular basis.  An extensive study of several large clinical trials was undertaken to look at the effectiveness of different modes of therapy in the treatment of the condition.

The importance of this treatment is that non-treatment is associated with oral and systemic infections, dysphagia, pain, longer hospitalization, greater cost, and affect on the quality of life.  While there is insufficient evidence that any of the antifungal drugs may cure fungal infections in the mouth, prosthodontists have effective measures for reducing the severity of the symptoms.

Source:  wiley.com&citation Id=1579029


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

Prosthodontists Know Dental Implants Are Restoratively Driven

Dental Implants

Board Certified Prosthodontists know that dental implant placement  is decided by the tooth or teeth the implants(s) are going to support.  Historically, when these implants were first developed, most surgeons used the available bone to guide where dental implants were to be located.  Nowadays, the statement "the implants were put where the bone was" is inadequate.  Technological and surgical advances in bone and soft tissue grafting procedures have assured that implant supported teeth can be made to closely resemble the natural teeth they replace.

If a single tooth is missing, or a segment of teeth are to be replaced, then the teeth are planned first and the surgical procedures are planned to realize the eventual prosthetic result.  If an entire arch of teeth are missing, the prosthetic treatment plan is developed first, with the positions of the teeth and dimensions of the prosthetic materials predetermined, and then the surgical considerations planned accordingly.

If you need a dental implant, then your individual needs can bet be explained to you by a board certified prosthodontist.


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

Our Commitment to "Recare" (Recall)

As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, Dr. Tupac most often treats a patient's complete mouth, addressing all a patient's dental problems as part of the treatment plan.  Our commitment to dental care does not end there!  Most patients get to the point of needing complete care by having not had treatment for a period of time.  We don't want that to happen again.  Therefore, our recommendation is that, all patients need to be seen for regular examination and maintenance.  This includes periodic hygiene visits and X-ray examination to make sure any problems that might develop over time can be addressed as early as possible.  The human mouth is constantly changing and  out office is dedicated to keeping yours healthy!


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

Prosthodontists Treat Headaches Caused By Your Mouth

As a Board Certified Prosthodontic office, we frequently see patients seeking relief from headaches, many of which can be the result of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), jaw function (the way your upper and lower teeth contact one another and mesh together when you chew), and the magnitude and direction of the forces of your bite.

Common to patients with headaches of oral origin are facial and chewing muscle tenderness, jaw pain when chewing or talking and even sometimes at rest, jaw joint clicking, teeth clenching or grinding while awake or asleep, and stiffness of the neck and shoulder areas.

Treatment is relief oriented.  A variety of methods are used to minimize pain and restore normal range of motion and strength.  Once stabilization is achieved, then permanent solutions are determined.  If you need this type of care, 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

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

Get The Teeth You Deserve

Do you deserve a Dr. Tupac set of dentures?  Of, course, you do!  If it is time for your first set, or a replacement set, the office of Board Certified Prosthodontist Dr. Robert Tupac provides the most careful, accurate, well fitting and beautiful dentures you can have!  As a specialist, we make impressions of your mouth in a custom fashion, use the most esthetic teeth and make sure they are in the most attractive position for your smile and the support of your lips and cheeks, and make sure your bite is comfortable and you can eat properly.  You get to participate in the process, and the teeth are not finished until you approve of them.  We provide any necessary adjustments at no further charge, and are always available to 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

Is Your Cosmetic Dentist A Prosthodontist?

As a member of the American College of Prosthodontists and a Board Certified Prosthodontist, our mission is to create longer lasting, more beautiful and functional solutions for you.  Prosthodontists are unique among specialists in dentistry because they receive training in advanced diagnosis and treatment planning, treatment procedures and techniques, laboratory techniques, and are committed to using the most advanced technologies available to help you with your dental needs.

Contrary to popular opinion and claims of some dentists, "cosmetic dentistry" is not a specialty in dentistry. Any dentist can advertise as being a cosmetic dentist, but that designation does not require any advanced training and is not recognized by the American Dental Association.  Certainly, there are many talented general dentists who provide highly esthetic treatment.  If you want a true specialist in cosmetic dentistry, see your board certified prosthodontist.

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