Category: News

Cascade Business News - Dental Implants a Conservative Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

October 5, 2011 | By Eric Cadwell DDS MBA

For the 178 million adults in the US that have lost at least one tooth, the most common treatment over the past century has been a “bridge”, in which a dentist places a false tooth into the space by connecting it to the adjacent teeth. This has been an excellent treatment that has served patients well for many years, and continues to be used extensively today. However, today’s technologies and materials provide us with more alternatives than ever before, including the use of a “dental implant” to replace a missing tooth in many cases.

A dental implant usually consists of a threaded titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone below the gumline. The bones in our body love titanium, and the implant eventually becomes fused with the bone around it, making a strong new “root” for the tooth. A new crown is then placed on the implant that looks and feels just like the other teeth in the mouth. The procedure is relatively quick and painless, with only mild discomfort around the surgical area for 1-2 days – similar to that of a traditional crown or bridge; however, the benefits are much greater.

Dental implants are very easy to care for, since the new tooth can be brushed and flossed just like normal. There is also reduced risk of new cavities with a dental implant, since it is not attached to the teeth on either side. For the same reason, dental implants are more conservative, since they do not usually require any changes to the adjacent teeth, leaving more of the natural tooth structure untouched. But most importantly, dental implants are also longer lasting and more successful than traditional bridges over time.

According to data published by the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and others, the average lifespan of a bridge can be just a few years to many decades. The most optimistic studies show that up to 84% of bridges were still in place at 20 years, with the most common cause of failure as cavities in the adjacent teeth. Similar studies of dental implants show a survival rate of approximately 95% over the same time period, most likely owing to the fact that they are easier to clean and care for than bridges.

Of course, a dental implant is not for everyone or every situation. There are still drawbacks, such as increased waiting time. Often, it can take 3-6 months following an implant placement before a crown can be put on. Costs can also vary widely depending on the dentist’s fees and the complexity of the case, but in some dental offices the cost of a complete implant treatment is similar to replacing the same tooth with a bridge. Dental implants are not indicated for patients who have received IV bisphosphonate medications for cancer treatment or osteoporosis, have uncontrolled diabetes or uncontrolled periodontal bone loss. There are also some restrictions for people who have taken pills for osteoporosis treatment, such as Fosamax or Boniva. People that smoke are also 5 times more likely to have a dental implant failure.

However, when used appropriately, a dental implant is an excellent method for replacing missing teeth that is comfortable, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and beautiful. There is a reason that the number of dental implants placed annually in the US has increased more than 10-fold since 1983. It appears that dental implants have become the state of the art in dentistry for replacing missing teeth in many cases.

Central Oregon Magazine - PureCare Dental: A New Concept In Dentistry

September 23, 2011 | By Sandra Holtzman

How many times have you avoided a visit to the dentist’s office, dreading its sterile walls and equipment that looks like it’s right out of the Dark Ages? Add to that the rising cost of dental procedures and taking care of your teeth can quickly turn into something to steer clear of. Many dentists, however, are moving into the 21st Century, bringing high tech equipment, amazing staff, mural-painted walls and new business philosophies with them.

After a visit to PureCare Dental, conveniently located at the north end of Bend off Highway 97, my entire concept of everything ‘dentist’ changed. Not only is the office aesthetically beautiful to behold with a distinctive feeling of openness, the atmosphere is welcoming and evokes a sense of calm. After encountering a stunning water feature in the main reception area, wood and granite counters complete with lovely views of the Cascades define the patient treatment area. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought I’d found my way to a spa.

The most notable feature of PureCare Dental is the Dental Membership program, a brand new concept that is also the largest in the Pacific Northwest. Benefits, including full preventive care and two emergency visits a year, begin immediately upon enrollment and members must remain in the plan for 12 months to take advantage of significant savings. After an initial exam and determination of a patient’s needs, services are discounted from that point on, including everything from fillings to crowns, braces, and implants. Eric Cadwell, owner of PureCare Dental says, “The Membership Program makes the new standard of modern dentistry more affordable. It’s a brand new concept, especially for this region.”

A tour of the office revealed state-of-the-art, all digital equipment that doubles efficiency and produces immediate results while significantly lowering X-ray radiation doses. Patients can watch their procedure on a wide screen and X-ray results are immediate with no waiting time. Cadwell says, “Research is clear that lifetime costs for dentistry are lower if a patient keeps coming back for preventive care.”

How’s this for cool? As incentive for those who send a certain number of referrals to the dental office, patients can choose from a fetching number of gift baskets like Stress Relief, Sports or Date Night Out, each of which contains all sorts of tempting goodies. According to Cadwell, one of the reasons he chose Bend for a dental practice was the wide mix of residents, from retirees to young families with children, entrepreneurs and seasonal and tourism workers.

Bend Chamber Business Journal - Local Dental Office Offers Affordable Care, Soothing Atmosphere

July 1, 2011 | By Courtney Linville, Government Affairs/Public Relations

How many people can say they look forward to going to the dentist? What about feeling calm and comfortable while in the office or the chair? Have you ever considered a dental membership program? PureCare Dental offers all these things and believes in quality patient care, customer service, and providing excellence in dentistry.

Walking through the doors of PureCare Dental, patients are immediately enveloped with a calm and welcoming atmosphere that’s more like a spa than a dental office. In the waiting area, patients are greeted with the relaxing sounds of a water feature and soft color tones as well as the warmth of wood. The office also has an open air feeling, like you would find in many of today’s coffee shops. This innovative design was created by owner Dr. Eric Cadwell, DDS, MBA. “I wanted patients to feel comfortable not only sitting in the reception area, but throughout the office,” he said.

A lot of thought went into the design of the office and it shows. Patient exam areas feature the same modern and open environment, as well as the latest in all-digital technology. Patients have the opportunity to watch a movie during their exam or see firsthand what the doctor is seeing.

“We have patients who haven’t been to the dentist in years, and they’re surprised that everything makes sense,” said Cadwell. “With the technology in our office, they can see what I’m seeing. We use the best materials and labs we can provide with a very comprehensive whole health approach that’s more comfortable and approachable for the patient.”
Patient Care Coordinator Rachel Veitschegger says many people have anxiety and are very skeptical of dentists. She says with the PureCare Dental approach, patients have things explained to them so the entire process is less of a mystery. “We sit down with patients and thoroughly explain everything, and patients get more time with their doctor to feel comfortable with what’s happening,” said Veitschegger.

Along with dedication to its patients, PureCare Dental has a unique Membership program that is an alternative to dental insurance. The concept was actually started two years ago by Cadwell and his brother. “We got started because we saw a need for people as dental insurance continued to get more expensive, but it wasn’t covering as much,” said Cadwell.

The membership model was initially introduced in Washington and it’s the first dental membership program in the Northwest. The Cadwell brothers wanted to create a program where people could afford to have dental benefits and employers could offer dental benefits to employees. Cadwell said the purpose of the program is to give preventative and comprehensive care at a reasonable price.

“We wanted to get the relationship back between the patient and the doctor rather than having insurance companies dictate treatment,” said Cadwell.

PureCare Dental offers individual plans as well as corporate plans. Cadwell says this creates an environment where dental care is more affordable and streamlined to the needs of the patient. “This is not insurance. There are no waiting periods and no exclusions,” he said. “You don’t pay a deductible and there isn’t a co-pay. It’s just providing dental care where we can keep the administrative costs low, making it more affordable for all.”

Cadwell says dental health can play a big part into an employee’s health and productivity. In fact, recent studies show one of the major reasons for lost days of work and school are due to dental emergencies. “Our dental plan creates value for both employers and employees. The products are very affordable and it helps to ensure the health of workers for as low as $19.50 a month,” he said. “That’s affordable for just about any business.”

Besides offering ground breaking dental memberships, the company is also changing the way people visit the dentist as well. Because of busy schedules of patients, PureCare Dental is open until 7 p.m. two evenings a week and also open on Fridays and Saturdays. Cadwell says this way care is available to patients when they need it.

PureCare Dental also guarantees it will see patients on time. Within 10 minutes of an appointment time if a patient hasn’t been seated, he or she receives a gift card to local businesses. “We are trying to change the way people think about their healthcare and their expectations,” Cadwell said. “We want patients to know that their time is important to us. We take their time seriously.”

Above all, whether a patient has insurance or a membership with PureCare Dental, Cadwell says his office wants to be available for everyone. “We love to know that we are providing a great service for patients and it’s a great mutual relationship,” he said.

For more information on PureCare Dental of Bend, call (541) 647-5555 or go to www.purecaredental.com.

Bend Bulletin - Dental Clinic Offers New Way to Pay for Treatment

February 17, 2011 | By Markian Hawryluk

Cascade Business News PureCare Dental

January 17, 2011 | By Jeff Spry, CBN Feature Writer

PureCare Dental of Bend is revolutionizing the dreaded visit to the tooth doctor and one foot inside their new office lets you know you're definitely not in Kansas anymore. Their philosophy is to provide a peaceful, inviting environment where one feels at immediate ease.

Office Manager Brianna Cadwell explained how their business prides itself on delivering a unique stress-free experience. "You'll be hard pressed to see any paper charts or old-fashioned manila files anywhere," she said. "We're a paperless office with all records done electronically using the latest Eaglesoft dental software."

PureCare's decor is ultra-modern with a Zen-like Asian spa feel. Employees offer patients a cup of coffee or tea and perhaps a comfortable blanket. Corridors and operatory rooms resemble the lobby of a posh cosmopolitan hotel instead of a dental clinic, with designer-style cabinets and state-of-the-art equipment. There's a welcoming patient waiting area with fresh flower bouquets on black marble counters and a twelve-foot waterfall wall feature cascading behind the receptionist desk. Abstract and modern art adorns the walls and rooms. Chic pendant lighting dangles from the high ceilings, casting warm, bright light onto the office.

“We worked closely with interior designers to elicit a calm presence and eliminate that sterile, impersonal look and the discomfort normally associated with dental offices," Cadwell explained, directing a tour around the office, past the consulting room and sterilization area.

"We offer digital x-rays that use 80-90 percent less radiation than traditional film x-rays. Our paperless system allows us to quickly transfer records to any medical provider. Patients can now see their own charts on a computer screen for better comprehension of their dental procedures, giving a closer doctor-patient relationship."

These intra-oral photos and videos let patients view exactly what the doctor is working from. The office is rapidly gathering steam and adding patients. Currently there are three operatories with room for three more in future expansion. Hand-tools and equipment uses the latest technology with quiet, low-noise electric drills. Entertainment options during procedures include noise-cancelling headphones and books on tape. PureCare Dental is a full-service facility providing everything from fillings, minor surgeries, implants and orthodontics to even the latest anti-snore solutions.

Dr. Adam Veitschegger and Dr. Eric Cadwell, both University of Washington graduates, provide all the personal care, diagnosis and treatment. All doctors are doing their own hygiene work right now, giving new patients an extra level of individual attention.

Another innovative approach is their "alternative insurance" Dental Membership Program where a small monthly payment goes toward routine exams and maintenance, without the shock of huge bills and unexpected charges. It's a preventative annual membership plan created to make the new standard of modern dentistry more affordable.
There are individual and family plan options that start at $19.50 per month for standard adult members and $12.50 for each dependent child. Benefits include two regular hygiene cleanings per year, two comprehensive examinations per year, as well as all necessary x-rays and two allowable emergency visits during normal business hours. One in-office fluoride treatment is also provided. Active members also receive an additional 15 percent discount on all in-house services such as crowns, dentures and extractions.

Rachel Veitschegger is patient care coordinator and wants to change the way people feel about going to the dentist. "Dentists have finally realized and accepted that they're scary and are trying to change that attitude. Our office reflects those changes and we hope patients feel the difference.

"It's amazing the number of people who come in and tell us they haven't been to the dentist in ten or fifteen years," she said. "Our goal is to get people to come in on a regular basis and not compromise the health of their mouth because they can't afford it. Most people in this country have no or poor medical insurance and this dental program helps solve part of that ever-growing problem.

PureCare Dental is located on the north side of Bend beside Cheerleaders Grill at 3081 North Hwy 97, Suite #150.

541-647-5555 or purecaredental.com