Achieving The Perfect Smile

Monday, October 1st 2007, 9:15 pm

By: News On 6

About 100-million Americans are missing teeth, but dentures or crowns can look unnatural and don't last forever. News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports now thereâ€™s a new way to replace teeth for a permanent smile.

For years, Hady Koraym suffered with bad, weakened teeth.

"I've always had pain with cold drinks and hot drinks," implant patient Hady Koraym said.

To help stop his suffering, dentists pulled most of his teeth, leaving him without a smile. Now, a new 3D dental implant procedure gave Hady permanent teeth in just one hour.

"Most of the patients, they come out with a smile," Dr. Liene Molly of the University of Maryland Dental School said.

Traditional implants can take almost a year to complete. The new procedure is a faster, less painful solution for missing teeth.

"The traditional way of having implants is having two surgeries. So, now we can reduce it to only one surgery, and that's very pleasant for the patient," said Molly.

Periodontists first use CT scans to make a 3D model of a patient's mouth. Then, using the model as a guide, doctors locate the exact spot in the mouth to place the implant and crown on top, all in one, minimally invasive surgery.

"You can visualize the bone. You can visualize how the teeth will be and how they can come together in one area," dentist Deborah Armellini said.

Prosthodontists say the new procedure is a more accurate and more natural looking solution for patients wanting to return to eating, drinking and smiling with confidence.

"The most exciting thing for me is the ability to give a higher quality of life for patients," Armellini said.

"Now, I feel very good, you know," said Koraym.

Patients are put under local anesthesia during the procedure. To find a dentist performing the new implant procedure, click here.

Watch the video: A New Smile Through Technology