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

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)

Heart Attack Cause and Prevention

What you need to control

There are major risk factors for a heart attack that you can control:

• Smoking:  quit or cut back
• High blood pressure:  your doctor can prescribe medicine to
  keep it under control
• High cholesterol:  medication, a diet low in saturated fats,
  trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars
• Overweight or obesity:  lose unwanted pounds
• Diabetes:  control blood sugar with medication and diet
• Lack of physical activity:  become as active as 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 (map)

Trained in emergency preparedness by the CDA

First Responder

Robert Tupac, DDS, FACP, was trained as a first responder for community disaster emergency preparedness at the annual California Dental Association Convention in Anaheim, California. As a health care provider, Dr. Tupac is one of several dentists prepared to offer his services in the event they are needed at the local level.

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

NobelBiocare Technology Workshop Participant

Extensive Experience in Restorative Procedures

Robert Tupac participated in a removable implant overdenture lecture and hands-on workshop at the NobelBiocare headquarters in Yorba Linda, California. Dr. Sam Strong, in his presentation of removable implant treatment for the fully edentulous patient discussed pre-surgical considerations and prosthetic therapy, implant integration period therapy and guidelines for bar retained and attachment retained overdentures. Dr. Tupac's extensive experience with these restorative options with multiple implant systems gives patients the ability to be managed and maintained even with implant systems that are no longer in current use. His in-house laboratory concentrates on technical precision and individual attention to patient's needs and desires.

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)

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Dentistry (CPR) Approved

CPR and AED Certified Staff

Robert Tupac and all of his office personnel 
have been trained in advanced CPR/AED (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Automatic External Defibrillator) for the Professional Responder and Health Care Industry as certified by the American Red Cross. His office has an automatic defibrillator available for emergency use. His surgical suite features an array of vital signs monitoring equipment, as well as oxygen and nitrous oxide delivery systems. Dr. Tupac also offers the availability of a physician anesthesiologist for intravenous sedation during restorative dentistry or implant surgery.

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)

What To Eat With Dentures?

How to enjoy food with your dentures!

Since gums were never intended to withstand the same chewing forces that natural teeth can, it may be necessary for people who wear dentures to modify food choices and preparation techniques in order to maintain a healthy diet.

Studies have shown that tooth loss can be associated with a poor-quality diet, and changes in chewing ability can alter nutritional intake.

Here are some strategies for maintaining nutritional intake with dentures: 

• choose diets that are adequate in vitamins,  minerals and fiber from fresh (cut) fruits and cooked (softer) vegetables

• decrease consumption of foods rich with simple sugars

• eating moist foods or sipping liquids to facilitate chewing is helpful

• balancing your bite by eating smaller amounts on both sides of the mouth at the same time makes things more manageable

By identifying foods that you may be avoiding, you may find new ways to modify how to eat things to include other foods to ensure a healthy diet.


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)

Prosthodontists Are Specialists In Retreatment

When lack of care and wear and tear cause dental work to break down, prosthodontists are specialists in salvaging what's good and retreating what might be thought hopeless.  If you need help, 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

How to Reduce Inflammatory Disease With...

Being Healthy is Eating Healthy

The effects of chronic inflammatory diseases--lupus, rheumatoid arthritis--may be reduced by eating certain healthy foods.

A well-balanced diet is recommended to start.  Diets high in fatty fishes--salmon, mackerel, and tuna--and fish oils containing "omega-3" fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation. While 1-2 g per day of omega-3 intake is sufficient for heart protection, 2-3 g per day is most effective for anti-inflammatory treatment.

How to reduce stress 

Green tea and green tea extracts offer antioxidant protection and can help reduce oxidative stress caused by inflammation.  Two cups per day is a reasonable way to start.


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)

Can't Chew? See a Prosthodontist!

How's your bite?

When you're teeth don't come together, it's hard to chew food!
This effects not only your appearance, but your general health, also.
Prosthodontists are specialists in the replacement of missing 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

When A Partial Is The Way To Go

When you're missing front and back teeth, and fixed bridgework or dental implants are not an option, a removable partial can be both functional and esthetic.

This lady is missing back teeth on both sides of her upper jaw, and the partial replaces the missing molars.  The partial replaces her missing four upper front teeth at the same time.  Hard to tell, isn't it!

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's All In The Presentation"

People judge you by your appearance.  A healthy smile projects self-confidence and conveys attention to detail.


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)

The full mouth rehabilitation specialists

What full mouth rehabilitation needs 

Prosthodontists are specialists in restoring broken down teeth and fixing your bite. This young
man needed root canals, gum treatments and crown and bridgework. Check out the result!

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

Picture perfect smile with veneers

Porcelain Veneers

Want your front teeth to be white and straight?  These four front teeth have porcelain veneers.

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

Replacing An Old Bridge With Prosthodontics

Replacing An Old Bridge

Prosthodontists are specialists in the latest technology and materials to make sure replacement bridgework looks, fits and functions 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

Do You Drive To Music?

Here's and interesting study done about what music is the best (or worst) to drive to that I found on twitter - http://n.pr/WXrhhC Enjoy!





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 technicians, we have the ability to tackle aesthetically 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

The Best Prosthodontic Care We Can Give in Bakersfield, CA!

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 needs.

Time:  

We strive to be well rested and have the patience to listen to all you have to say.

Objective:

We can't change the 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. 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

Toothpaste Choices Complicated?

How Toothpaste is Specialized

Many years ago, the biggest benefits of using toothpaste were that it tasted good and provided some detergent action to help clean your teeth.  Not any more!  Nowadays, toothpastes are much more complicated as science has created additives to address specific dental needs.

Toothpaste Additives and their Abilities 

• whitening:  additions to toothpaste, such as peroxide, baking soda, or other solutions, to whiten teeth through brushing, maintain a white smile after tooth bleaching procedures, or removing stains.
• sensitivity:  formulas that are less abrasive in their cleaning power, or contain chemicals like potassium nitrate that can penetrate tooth structure to reduce tooth sensitivity.
• remineralizing:  as part of "minimally invasive" dentistry,  these re-harden tooth surfaces as a treatment for beginning decay.  These substances are fluoride (common to most toothpastes), xylitol as a stimulant for calcium phosphate, or casein phosphopeptides.
• fluoride:  added to prevent tooth decay and enhance remineralization, often with added calcium.
• children's:  lower fluoride levels so they may be swallowed, and less abrasive and free of artificial colors or dyes.

Sometimes toothpastes claim to help freshen breath, although the process of brushing in and of itself makes your mouth cleaner and breath more appealing.

Natural toothpastes, like Tom's of Maine, are chemical free and made of only "natural" ingredients.
There is a toothpaste available for your individual needs!


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 The Secure Solution

Too loose for use

Just yesterday, we had two new patients who were wearing upper removable partials replacing some missing front teeth.  Their stories were similar:  every few years their gums change and the partials had to be remade. The partials moved around and they were self-conscious that people could tell the teeth were loose.  The movement made them guarded with their smiles and speech, because they had to hold the partials in place as they talked.  There were some foods that were best avoided.

Implant the Quality in your Life

Fortunately, as long as you are healthy, it's never too late for dental implants.  Teeth on implants are secure and comfortable.  By allowing you to smile, speak and eat with confidence, they improve your quality of life.

If you are missing teeth and are interested in this solution, 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