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The Benefits of a Team Approach to Dentistry

Dentistry, like many medical techniques, is making great advances in technology, with the goal of offering patients the best, most predictable treatment options. Drs. Albert Wesley, Philip Badalamenti, Maria Badalamenti, and Nickalene Badalamenti have formed a team approach to ensure their patients receive the most successful treatments through advanced three-dimensional imaging technology.

The team

Dr. Wesley is a prosthodontist, a specialist dealing with patients who have difficult dental cases. In the past, these patients have had very few treatment options other than extraction and dentures. Dr. Wesley uses 3-D imaging to view the amount of bone in the upper and lower jaw, and to see any pathology. He uses this 3-D imaging to pre-plan the placement of bone and implants, enabling him to give patients permanent fixed options that may have not been available in the past.

Dr. Philip Badalamenti is an orthodontist who offers patients a new technique in orthodontic treatment: Sure Smile. Sure Smile uses 3-D imaging to pre-plan treatments, resulting in more predictable outcomes with considerably less treatment time. Dr. Phil uses this 3-D imaging to plan tooth movement and direct the shape-memory arch wire, moving teeth gently and quickly to the desired position.

Drs. Maria and Nickalene Badalamenti are general dentists who, together with these specialists and the knowledge of what 3-D imaging can offer, provide state-of-the-art treatment options that would not be available without 3-D imaging.

Our current high-quality dental procedures have been raised to a new level with the advancement in 3-D imaging. If patients are not being offered these new treatment options, we are not improving the standard of care for our patients.

The technology

Prior to advancements in 3-D imaging, both general dentists and specialists relied on two-dimensional X-rays of a three-dimensional structure to make treatment recommendations. Under these conditions, there was often a degree of guesswork involved, because there was not enough information about the anatomy to make a predictable outcome.

With 3-D imaging or "CT scans," dentists are able to make a virtual assessment of jaw bones, pinpoint the position of teeth and roots, measure the bone, and eliminate surgery. The 3-D imaging allows dental specialists to conduct a precise course of treatments with a more predictable outcome.
What makes our team unique?

We use the common platform of 3-D imaging to collaborate on treatment options and sequencing, which makes it possible for us to execute predictable, affordable dentistry. In the past, referrals to multiple specialists required time, money, and several appointments. We are sensitive to the value of our patients' time — whether it's time off work or time away from families. The 3-D imaging process enables us to communicate, coordinate, and propose the most affordable treatment for our patients in a predictable time frame. Often, treatment time is minimized because we can predictably pre-plan and coordinate steps between specialists and general dentists.

This imaging has been available for many years; in fact, Dr. Wesley has been using 3-D imaging for 10 years. Many professionals have avoided it because, in the past, there was a high risk of radiation exposure. Thanks to more recent advancements in digital radiography, we are able to provide exceptional 3-D imaging with minimal radiation exposure.

Let's take an example: A patient has crowding, broken-down teeth, and bone loss. In the past, the patient would need a referral for an orthodontic evaluation, an endodontic evaluation, and an evaluation by an oral surgeon, because multiple appointments would be necessary in order to gather the complete information needed to make an educated treatment option. Fast-forward to treatment planning that incorporates 3-D imaging. A CT scan is taken, it is e-mailed to Dr. Wesley, Dr. Phil, Dr. Maria, and Dr. Nickalene, and one coordinated treatment plan is made between the referring dentists, based on the 3-D image information. Next, a consultation appointment is scheduled with the patient and options are provided, discussed, and decided upon based on what will work with the patient's lifestyle.

In conclusion

How are we unique? We are a group of professionals who are committed to the common goals of achieving the highest level of technical proficiency through examining, continuing education, and working together to provide the most predictable care for our patients.