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

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

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

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