Missing Teeth and Diabetes

A study of 2,508 participants in a diabetes database compared to patients without diabetes shows some remarkable statistics:

• Among adults with natural teeth, those with diabetes have, on average, lost 50% greater numbers of teeth than those without the disease
• Among adults with no teeth (edentulous),  those with diabetes are twice as likely to have no teeth that those without the disease

One in every five cases of edentulism in the United States is linked to diabetes. 

JADA, vol. 144, no. 5, 478-485

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 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

Why Dentures Need Proper Placement

When teeth are removed, our jawbone begins a continuous, lifelong process of resorption, or shrinkage.  The pressure from dentures on gum tissues also cause shrinkage, since gum tissues were never intended to withstand chewing forces.  Dentures that don't fit properly cause even greater and more rapid shrinkage.  How do you know when it is time to get a new set of dentures?

New Set of Denture

If you're like most people, you'll find high quality, well-fitting dentures restores your youthful appearance, allows you to eat most of the foods that you love, helps you feel better about yourself, eliminates embarrassment, enables you to speak more clearly and may even help with digestion!

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 bone and gums 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.  If your denture slips and moves, if words are difficult to form, if you can't chew as easily as before, or if lack of facial support has given you the collapsed "denture look",  then it's time to get your smile back with a new set of dentures.  The new set will make you look better and feel younger, speak more clearly and enhance your chewing ability.

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

Missing Teeth and Diabetes

A study of 2,508 participants in a diabetes database compared to patients without diabetes shows some remarkable statistics:

• Among adults with natural teeth, those with diabetes have, on average, lost 50% greater numbers of teeth than those without the disease
• Among adults with no teeth (edentulous),  those with diabetes are twice as likely to have no teeth that those without the disease

One in every five cases of edentulism in the United States is linked to diabetes. 

JADA, vol. 144, no. 5, 478-485

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 Prosthodontics: Comprehensive

Treatment Options

Sometimes people are desperate, but are not willing to do what they need to do, even when they are able.  As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, while we very much enjoy "single tooth" dentistry--crowns, veneers, single implants, etc. (and do these things with the most current technologies available)--we see many patients who have been told they are at the end of the line.  These patients have multiple problems: missing teeth, broken down teeth, gum disease and bone loss.  As difficulties increase, people can feel overwhelmed.

At any stage of dental disease, however, there are always options!  The beauty of a comprehensive examination and evaluation is that it includes discussion about needs, wants and priorities.  In this manner, treatment options are considered in terms of benefits and expectations.  

Today there are more ways to achieve a great smile and have function, too.  We can find a worthwhile solution that fits! 

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

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

Minimum Age For Dental Implant?

What is the minimum age for a dental implant?  This is especially important for boys and girls who have congenitally missing teeth.  

Dental implants should not be placed until after skeletal growth is complete.   Once placed, an implant and the bone which surrounds it do not change, so we don't want the jaws and teeth around the implants to continue to develop.  

In general, boys mature skeletally between the ages of 17 and 19, girls between 16 and 18.  

How do you really tell?  A "carpal index", or wrist film (X-ray), can be taken and evaluated by a radiologist.  The film will tell if the bones of the wrist (especially the adductor sesamoid) are completely formed (ossified), the growth (epiphyseal diaphyseal) centers of the fingers (proximal, middle and distal phalanges) are fused and the growth (epiphyseal diaphyseal) center of the radius is fused. These factors suggest completion of skeletal growth.

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 Prosthodontics: Comprehensive

Treatment Options

Sometimes people are desperate, but are not willing to do what they need to do, even when they are able.  As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, while we very much enjoy "single tooth" dentistry--crowns, veneers, single implants, etc. (and do these things with the most current technologies available)--we see many patients who have been told they are at the end of the line.  These patients have multiple problems: missing teeth, broken down teeth, gum disease and bone loss.  As difficulties increase, people can feel overwhelmed.

At any stage of dental disease, however, there are always options!  The beauty of a comprehensive examination and evaluation is that it includes discussion about needs, wants and priorities.  In this manner, treatment options are considered in terms of benefits and expectations.  

Today there are more ways to achieve a great smile and have function, too.  We can find a worthwhile solution that fits! 


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 Missing Teeth Critical for Daily Function

The muscles of the head and neck work together to determine how we eat, breathe, speak and how we look.  Chewing muscles are supported by the jaws and teeth, and are responsible for the stability of the head and neck.  For this reason, the replacement of missing teeth is important in maintaining our social and biological capability in many different areas:

• lower jaw position, in relation to the skull--allows neck muscles to hold the head in its proper posture--a loss of teeth can cause the head to drop, eyes to be downcast and breathing space of the throat to be decreased
• the height of the lower third of the face--upper and lower tooth contact maintains the length of chewing muscles, keeps the lips and cheeks supported, and contributes to facial attractiveness
• speaking--both the space in the mouth and the airflow through the mouth determined by the shape of the palate, tongue and position of the teeth creates proper speech sounds
• eating--mastication of the right kinds of foods to have a balanced and nutritious diet

Tooth replacement enhances quality of life.

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

Missing Teeth and Diabetes

A study of 2,508 participants in a diabetes database compared to patients without diabetes shows some remarkable statistics:

• Among adults with natural teeth, those with diabetes have, on average, lost 50% greater numbers of teeth than those without the disease
• Among adults with no teeth (edentulous),  those with diabetes are twice as likely to have no teeth that those without the disease

One in every five cases of edentulism in the United States is linked to diabetes. 

JADA, vol. 144, no. 5, 478-485

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

Missing Teeth: The Demographics

80 Million People are Missing at Least One Tooth

Today there are 25 million people in this country who have no teeth, and that number will increase to 38 million in  2020. As age increases, so does the prevalence of edentulism (no teeth):  22% at age 45, 36% at age 55, 42% at age 65, and 56% at age 75.  In addition, another 80 million people are missing at least one or some of their teeth. The greatest risk factors are untreated periodontal disease, asthma, diabetes, dementia, cancer and heart disease.  An individual with heart disease is 4 times more likely to be edentulous than with no heart disease. Dr. Tupac, a Board Certified Prosthodontist, has solutions for missing teeth.  Dental implants are disease resistant, preserve bone and conserve remaining teeth. Find more at www.drtupac.com

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

"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)

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