Locations
Office
Bakersfield, CA
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP
Bakersfield, CA
About
Bio
<strong>Dr. Robert G. Tupac, D.D.S., F.A.C.P.</strong> Dr. Tupac received his DDS degree from UCLA and then graduated from the Advanced Prosthodontics Program at USC. He has been a Board Certified Prosthodontist since 1981. There are only 2600 active prosthodontists in the US today, of whom only 840 have attained the designation of Board Certified, as being recognized by their peers for their achievement, which attests to the advanced training and importance and exclusivity of this designation.
He founded the West Coast Implant Institute and directs the Dr. Tupac Implant Dentistry. He has been placing and restoring dental implants for over 26 years and has completed thousands of implant cases. His main interest is clinical dentistry, explaining and doing the right thing for a particular patient's needs. Dr. Tupac also enjoys blogging !
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Prosthodontics
Doctor Q&A
198 Answers
106 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Nature: Just the nature of the bone and the manner in which it may become exposed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes and no: Dental "bridges" have many benefits (tooth replacement, better function, esthetics, prevention of tooth movement, etc.) as long as the bridges are fix... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: Today there are simple ways to gently move teeth to make them straighter.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
A medical reason: Dentures help you chew better and therefore aid in proper digestion and better nutrition: therefore they can benefit you if you have any medical condi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 54-year-old male asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
On teeth?: Dental fixed bridges on natural teeth are usually cemented with permanent cement.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Replace it: Your mouth has changed over the years and that's why your insurance recognizes the benefit of having a new one made, even though you are comfortable w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Porcelain: Porcelain is harder than natural tooth structure and sometimes a porcelain crown can cause wear on the natural tooth it chews against.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: It depends upon the location of the intended implant, and the amount of existing bone and amount of grafted bone necessary. A ct scan as part of the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Health first: Make your teeth healthy first, then address the cosmetic procedures.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: Dental implants are the treatment of choice for missing teeth. A removable denture may be replaced in many different ways, with the use of dental imp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
No: Your dentist can go through a series of appointments with you in advance of tooth extraction so your dentures will be ready to place immediately ofter... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: We know that a healthy, attractive smile projects a positive appearance to people and makes us feel good about ourselves.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: There are some temporary laboratory fabricated solutions, but they are intended to be placed over healthy teeth only.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Usually: Temporary crowns are usually placed in between the appointment to prepare a tooth for a crown and the appointment when the permanent crown is placed. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Uncomfortable: Everybody's pain threshold is different, after extractions, but remember you are in the healing phase now and things will get better rapidly... Your... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
See examples: Ask your prosthodontist for examples of work that is much like what you need to help you decide.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
No: Tooth replacement, by means of a bridge or other ways, is a dental health issue, and typically covered by dental insurance.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 55-year-old female asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: A single implant can be placed in an hour or less, with minimal postoperative pain, often requiring no more than over the counter medications such as ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Try this: Once a week, use a couple of drops (only) in the water to enhance the cleaning power of the solution you use for soaking.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Maybe: If the bonding is done with composite (a less permanent material than porcelain) and the bonding covers most of the tooth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Depends: This is a clinical decision made by your dentist, following some guidelines that your dentist is familiar with.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Maybe: Regardless of whether the tooth is extracted at the same time as implant placement, after the implant is placed, there is a way to measure its stabili... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
See a prosthodontist: If you are new denture troubles that your dentist has been unable to correct in a reasonable amount of time, see a prosthodontist--one who specializes... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Depends: Whether the shape of the natural tooth, or its position, is best duplicated, or to be improved upon, for long term function... Also, prosthetic mate... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Get acrylic: Valplast is not adjustable, and a new temporary partial can be made out of acrylic.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Denture adhesive: Any quick fix is only temporary, so see your dentist as soon as you can.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Are the implants OK?: Assuming the implants are still ok, and it is likely that they are, you can proceed with the next steps.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Gently: If your denture has reasonable fit, then the amount of fixodent necessary to give you the security you desire should not be more than a few small dabs... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old male asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: Nicotine has harmful effects on both short and long term healing.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Up to $5,000: "usual rates", nation-wide, are up to $2, 500 for the dental implant and an additional $2, 500 for the post (abutment) and crown. Of course, the tota... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
See dentist: If the veneer is intact and the tooth is healthy, the veneer may be able to be rebonded. If not, a new one is in order.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: A properly made removable partial denture will replace missing teeth, be comfortable and help you chew--and look good too!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Absolutely: The idea of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance your smile--through bonding, veneers or orthodontics, whichever is best for your own situation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
No: Sorry, but implants are not a covered benefit.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Varies: Veneers made out of porcelain and bonded on a tooth can cost as much as a crown. Made from composite ( a filllling material), the cost may be less. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Comfort is the guide: If you have had teeth recently extracted, or are wearing dentures for the first time, or wearing a new set of dentures, the fit of the dentures and th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Typically OK: Dental implants are successful in all types of bone, hard or soft. Success rates may vary, but usually the biggest factor is that healing time differ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 16-year-old male asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Brush well: If you are unable to have your teeth professionally cleaned, use a major brand whitening toothpaste and brush thoroughly and often.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: The "connection" between gums and implants is different from the connection between gums and natural teeth, but they both require daily home care and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Usually: If tooth extractions are involved, there may be some pain and swelling for a short time... Everybody is different, but most people return to work quic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Bone loss: Once a tooth is removed, the bone that used to be around the root of that tooth begins to dissolve, with as much as half of that bone gone in the firs... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
The same: "caps" are often the terms used for crowns on front teeth, "crowns" for back teeth. In effect, they are the same--they cover and surround remaining t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Inflammation: These grafts require meticulous oral hygiene to keep them free from inflammation and infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Sooner is better: Once a tooth is removed, the bone that was around the root begins to shrink... A fixed bridge is a perfectly reasonable restoration of the adjacent... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Yes: Gingivitis means the tissues are inflamed and therefore more prone to bleeding--sounds like you need to see a dentist for a diagnosis and treatment of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Time is important: When a tooth is extracted, the bone begins to shrink. Half of the residual bone is lost in two yeears, on average. Implant placement should follow e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Extract: When you are advised to have teeth extracted, after they have had root canal therapy, when there is evidence of bone destruction and tooth looseness i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
6 months: Most dental schools teach that it takes six months for bone and gums to heal after extraction.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
It's a process: Having teeth pulled is a traumatic life event and wearing dentures immediately takes some getting used to, especially when your mouth is healing--usua... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
See a dentist: Crowns may come off for various reasons. A dentist can take a look, take a radiograph, and properly diagnose the situation and give you options.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
169
Thank you notes
Mar 22, 2015
Great doctor. Consistently gives thoughtful, insightful and expert advice.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Tupac is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Tupac is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
I actually only had the step where they put in bone to keep the gums wide enough, & secured it with a screw. -Mary (marybreen@outlook.com)
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! All onliner DDS's agree with you. Thanks for joining and sharing. Bye!
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Online DDS says that insurance reim. does not pay enough.So,McDonalds!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry
MD
Awards
Top Doctor, Second Place, Bakersfield, CA - Winter
2013
Most Influential, Third Place, Bakersfield, CA - Winter
2013
Thought Leader, First Place, Bakersfield, CA - Winter
2013
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