All-on-4® Dental Implants in Waco, TX
Replace an entire arch of missing teeth with a fixed, natural-looking set of teeth supported by four dental implants.
What are All-on-4® Dental Implants?
Living with loose Dentures or a mouth full of failing teeth wears on you. Eating gets harder, talking feels different, and you start thinking twice before smiling. All-on-4® dental implants solve that problem with a full arch of fixed teeth anchored to just four strategically placed titanium posts in your jawbone.
Two dental implants go in straight at the front of the arch, and two angle into the denser bone toward the back. That angled placement is what makes the approach so effective, because it often removes the need for bone grafting, even in patients who have lost jaw density over time. At Steven T. Cutbirth DDS, we can typically place the dental implants and attach a temporary set of teeth in a single visit.
Benefits of All-on-4® Dental Implants
All-on-4® Dental Implants replace an entire arch of teeth with just four dental implants, giving you a fixed set of teeth that look and function like natural ones.
Enjoy Your Favorite Foods Again
With All-on-4® Dental Implants, you’ll leave with a secure temporary smile the same day as surgery. Once healing is complete, your permanent teeth let you bite, chew, and enjoy the foods you love with confidence.
Avoid Bone Grafting in Many Cases
The unique placement of the implants allows many patients to qualify without a separate bone grafting procedure. That can mean fewer procedures, a shorter treatment timeline, and a smoother path to your new smile.
Smile With Stability Every Day
Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4® Dental Implants stay securely in place without slipping or adhesives. You’ll brush, eat, laugh, and speak with confidence because your smile feels stable and naturally part of you.
Are All-on-4® Dental Implants Right for You?
If you have been told most of your teeth need to come out, or you are already living with Dentures that slip and click when you talk, All-on-4® dental implants may be exactly the reset your mouth needs. This approach works well for adults who have lost teeth over many years due to decay, gum disease, or injury and are tired of dealing with partial plates or gaps that make eating a chore.
You do not need perfect bone density to qualify. The angled placement of the four dental implants often lets patients who were turned down for traditional Dental Implants move forward without extra grafting. At Steven T. Cutbirth DDS, our Waco, TX team will review imaging to confirm your jawbone can support the posts, and most adults over forty are solid candidates.
Advanced All-on-4® Dental Implants Technology
Planning an All-on-4® dental implants case starts with a cone beam CT scan, which captures a full 3D map of your jaw in about 15 seconds. That scan shows bone density, nerve locations, and sinus position down to a tenth of a millimeter. We use it to plan exact dental implant angles and depths before anything touches your mouth, so surgery day moves faster and more predictably.
Our team in Waco, TX also uses digitally milled prosthetics made from layered zirconia or acrylic over a titanium framework. These materials hold up to real chewing force and look remarkably natural. And for patients who feel uneasy about Oral Surgery, IV Sedation Dentistry keeps you calm and comfortable through the entire procedure.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your appointment starts with a full set of digital scans and x-rays so the team can map out exactly where each dental implant will go. If you're feeling nervous, IV Sedation Dentistry is available to keep you comfortable and relaxed through the entire process. We remove any remaining teeth that need to come out, place four dental implants into the jawbone at precise angles, and attach a temporary set of teeth the same day. You'll walk out with a full smile. Most visits run about two to three hours.
Some swelling and tenderness are normal for the first few days, and most patients manage just fine with over-the-counter pain relief. Soft foods like scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes will be your go-to for a couple of weeks while the dental implants start fusing with the bone. That healing process takes roughly three to six months. Once everything is solid, you'll come back to have your permanent teeth placed.
Before Your Appointment
- 01
Arrange for someone to drive you home, since All-on-4® Dental Implants placement typically involves IV sedation and you won't be safe to drive.
- 02
Skip food and drinks for at least eight hours before your surgery, but take any approved medications with a small sip of water.
- 03
Wear a short-sleeved shirt so the clinical team can place an IV line quickly and comfortably on the day of your procedure.
After Your Appointment
- 01
Stick to cool, soft foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs for the first two weeks while your dental implant sites heal.
- 02
Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals starting on day two, but avoid using a water flosser near the surgical sites for at least three weeks.
- 03
Skip exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first five to seven days so your dental implant posts can begin fusing with the bone undisturbed.
Real Stories From Patients Who Chose Dr. Steven T. Cutbirth
Choosing a dentist is a big decision. Hear firsthand patient testimonials about the care, comfort, and life changing results they’ve experienced with Dr. Steven T. Cutbirth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do All-on-4® dental implants last?
The titanium dental implants themselves can last a lifetime with proper care. The prosthetic arch typically lasts 15 to 20 years before it needs refurbishing or replacing, depending on the material and daily wear.
How do All-on-4® dental implants compare to traditional dentures?
All-on-4® dental implants are fixed in place, so they don't shift or slip while you eat or talk. Traditional dentures sit on the gums and rely on adhesive. Most patients say the difference in bite strength alone is night and day.
Can I eat steak and tough foods with All-on-4® dental implants?
Yes. Once you're fully healed, usually around three to six months, you can bite into corn on the cob, chew steak, and eat apples without a second thought. Your bite force is close to what natural teeth provide.
Am I too old to get All-on-4® dental implants?
Age alone doesn't rule you out. Patients in their 70s and 80s receive All-on-4® dental implants regularly. We evaluate bone density and overall health rather than a number on a birthday cake.
How often do I need follow-up visits after getting All-on-4® dental implants?
Plan on checkups every six months, similar to natural teeth. We will check the dental implants, clean around the prosthetic, and look for any signs of wear. A yearly x-ray helps confirm the bone around each dental implant stays healthy.
Your Personalized Experience Starts Here
Have questions about your visit or treatment options? Reach out to our team and we'll be happy to assist you within 24 hours.
- (254) 772-5420Phone Number
- Email Address
- 1613 Lake Success Dr, Waco, TX 76710Location
- CLINIC HOURS
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fri-Sun: Closed