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(NBC News) -- For people who have lost their teeth, living with dentures can be tedious. Now a new technology may help these patients get a smile they can be proud of.
Betty Watts smile didn't leave her smiling. Forty years ago doctors diagnosed her with severe gum disease and pulled all her teeth.
She's worn uncomfortable dentures ever since.
Betty Watts, Patient: "You've got to take them out. If you get anything under them it's irritating."
This is her seventh pair, and she's hoping she'll never have to wear them again. New technology is helping make that possible.
Using a CT scan of her mouth and dentures, special software made by Nobel Biocare creates a 3-d picture for surgeons.
Dr. Edmond Bedrossian, Oral Surgeon: "Now we actually see a virtual model of what the patient is like with the denture in their mouth."
A surgical template is then created to guide doctors to the precise place to implant a new bridge in betty's mouth.
Because she has no teeth, the bone in her jaw is starting to dissolve. Doctors say this implant will help.
Dr. Edmond Bedrossian: "The most wonderful part of this implant procedure is that when implants are placed it mimics biologically what teeth do... so patients jawbones stop dissolving."
Dr. Edmond Bedrossian is the director of implant training at University of Pacific's oral surgery program.
In just one hour, he and his team implanted Betty's new permanent prosthesis in her mouth. Her new teeth are acrylic and should last at least ten years.
Betty Watts: "They look very good they look natural I like them."
For the first time in decades here teeth are firmly in place, she can feel the roof of her own mouth... And soon enjoy the foods dentures made her shun.
Betty Watts: "I'm looking forward to eating me some peanut brittle."
Now that she says is worth smiling about.
To contact Dr. Bendrossian at the University of Pacific in San Francisco call: 415-956-6610
