Dental Implants: The Secure Smile!

Too loose for use:  Just yesterday, we had another new patient who was wearing a removable partial replacing some missing upper front teeth. Her story was predictable:  every few years, her gums changed and the partial had to be remade.  The partial moves around and she was self-conscious that people could tell the teeth were loose.  The movement made her guarded with her smile and speech, because she felt she had to hold the partial in place all the time.  She also avoided biting into foods that could dislodge the partial.

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 bringing out your best smile, and allowing you to eat and speak with confidence, they improve the quality of your 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

Prosthodontists Restore Surgical Defects

Removal of a boney tumor from the jaw leaves a large intraoral defect.  It is the province of the Board Certified Prosthodontist to restore function and aesthetics for these patients.

This gentleman lost 13 lower front teeth and a large volume of bone both vertically and horizontally.  Instead of having to wear a removable partial denture of tremendous bulk, five dental implants were placed in the remaining lower jawbone and the implants supported a screwed in place prosthesis which replaced the missing teeth and gums, thus restoring chewing function, normal speech and pleasing aesthetics.

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

Removable Partials Are Terrific

Sometimes the easiest way to replace missing front teeth is with a conventional removable partial denture.  This patient's four front teeth are actually part of the partial.

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 Implants Are Not An Option: Partials or Dentures

Replace Missing Teeth

Prior to the availability of dental implants, prosthodontists routinely treated patients with missing teeth (some or all) with removable partials or dentures.  In addition, not all patients are candidates for implants, due to financial, anatomical or medical considerations.

Prosthodontists are specialists in the replacement of missing teeth.  What sets them apart from general dentists is their extensive training in the diagnosis, design and fabrication of these prostheses.  When a patient is missing some teeth, or has some teeth that need to be removed, but doesn't want to lose them all, a removable partial denture can be a predictable functional and esthetic solution.  We have many patients who have had removable partials that last for ten or more years.  This success depends on the proper planning and treatment techniques that are part of the specialty 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

When A Partial Is The Right Thing To Do

Removable partial dentures replace missing teeth for millions of Americans.  They are long-lasting, hygienic appliances that are indicated in many prosthodontic situations.  If you look closely at this lady's teeth, you can see that her front four teeth are on her partial, but when she smiles and speaks, you can't even tell!

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

Successful Long-Term Removable Partial Treatment

A study of clasp-retained removable partial dentures covering a period of 25 years showed a survival rate of about 90% (89.8) after 10 years.  Published in the March/April 2012 issue of the International Journal of Prosthodontics, investigators in the Regensburg, Germany, University Medical Center, explored the survival rate of 174 partials made in the Department of Prosthodontics between 1984 and 2009.  They analyzed the frequency of and time to fracture of clasps, connectors or bases, the occurrence of decay or gum infections, loss of critical teeth and the need for maintenance procedures such as relines or adjustments.  The survival rates for all partials was 96.4% after five years and 89.8% after ten years.  Clasp fractures were the most common problem, occurring in one in five partials in five years and one in four partials in ten years.  New decay rates and periodontal problems were mostly manageable at normal recall visits during the ten year period.  According to these statistics, a removable partial denture can be considered a durable and long lasting prosthesis.

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

Successful Long-Term Removable Partial Treatment

A study of clasp-retained removable partial dentures covering a period of 25 years showed a survival rate of about 90% (89.8) after 10 years.  Published in the March/April 2012 issue of the International Journal of Prosthodontics, investigators in the Regensburg, Germany, University Medical Center, explored the survival rate of 174 partials made in the Department of Prosthodontics between 1984 and 2009.  They analyzed the frequency of and time to fracture of clasps, connectors or bases, the occurrence of decay or gum infections, loss of critical teeth and the need for maintenance procedures such as relines or adjustments.  The survival rates for all partials was 96.4% after five years and 89.8% after ten years.  Clasp fractures were the most common problem, occurring in one in five partials in five years and one in four partials in ten years.  New decay rates and periodontal problems were mostly manageable at normal recall visits during the ten year period.  According to these statistics, a removable partial denture can be considered a durable and long lasting prosthesis.

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