Expert gum disease treatment in Durham. At Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide personalized gum disease treatment to help stop infection, restore gum health, and protect your teeth from future damage.
Gum Disease Treatment Durham
Protect Your Gums. Protect Your Smile.
- 20+ years of experience
- 5.0 ★ Google Rating with over 200 reviews
- One of only five U.S. practices to receive the ACP Private Practice Award.
- Among just 1,200 board-certified prosthodontists worldwide.
- Only board-certified prosthodontists in private practice serving Durham–Chapel Hill.
or call 919-489-8661
Award-Winning Care Recognized Nationally
Specialists in Complex Smile Restoration & Dental Implants
Trusted by Thousands of Patients with a 5.0 ★ Google Rating
20+ Years Helping Patients Smile and Live Confidently
Gum Disease Treatment Durham
Taking care of your gums is an essential part of your oral hygiene. Gum care starts at home, with a daily hygiene routine that includes flossing to clean below the gum line. Your dentist and hygienist will monitor the health of your gums and can recommend the best gum disease treatment options if they detect signs of inflammation or periodontal (gum) disease.
Key benefits of gum disease treatment:
- Restore healthier gums
- Freshen your breath
- Stop bleeding and inflammation
- Protect against tooth loss
- Reduce future dental work
- Save on long-term treatment costs
- Preserve your natural smile
- Improve your overall oral health
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Gum disease is a progressive disease that breaks down the gum tissue and bone surrounding your teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and dental calculus. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and contribute to other systemic health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, 7 in 10 adults will experience gum disease in their lifetime. The good news is gum disease is preventable and can be reversed if it’s caught early enough.
If it’s been more than 6 months since your last professional cleaning, request an appointment today!
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: Closed.
Meet Your Team of Dentists
We're a team of gentle and compassionate dentists dedicated to the highest standards of care, combining specialized expertise with a compassionate approach.

Originally from West Virginia, Dr. Cunningham was fortunate to be raised in a small town where his dad practiced general dentistry and his mother was a stay-at-home mom.
In 2015, Dr Cunningham achieved his dream of private practice ownership becoming the owner of Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry. Also in 2015, Dr. Cunningham achieved his board certification, an achievement that only a small percentage of prosthodontists in the world attain.
In 2018, Dr. Cunningham was extremely honored to be awarded the Private Practice Award by the American College of Prosthodontics. This award is given out to only four practitioners in the United States annually. Dr. Cunningham is published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, lectures for world renowned implant companies nationally, serves as an expert witness, and provides dental industry consultation services. He is honored to be named as Durham Magazine’s Top Dentist by his peers, year after year.
Simply put, Dr. Cunningham loves the art and science of dentistry and is very passionate about the pursuit of clinical excellence. The decision to specialize in Prosthodontics is based on this passion and the yearning to have the ability to treat more complex multidisciplinary cases, a skill that is not taught in the general dentistry realm. He is also has many local and out of state dentists come to him for their own dental care.
Dr. Cunningham is married to his wife, Karen Cunningham. They have two daughters, Annalee and Audrey. When he isn’t working to improve your smile, Dr. Cunningham enjoys outdoor sports, reading, watching documentaries, and spending time with family.

A native of North Carolina, Dr. Gazdeck grew up the oldest of four siblings in Lincolnton, NC. After graduating Summa Cum Laude and a Valedictorian from North Carolina State University in 2009 he went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014.
He continued his education by completing a 3-year specialty residency in Prosthodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, obtaining a certificate in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science (MS) in Oral Sciences in 2017. A year later in 2018 he completed his formal education after a fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, a subspecialty of prosthodontics involving head and neck cancer, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Following his training, Dr. Gazdeck decided to return home and join Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry in the Summer of 2018. Soon after, Dr. Gazdeck attained Diplomate status from the American Board of Prosthodontics, and together he and Dr. Cunningham are the only two Board Certified Prosthodontists in Private Practice within Durham-Chapel Hill.
Dr. Gazdeck holds an appointment at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry as an Adjunct Assistant Professor within the Department of Prosthodontics. He utilizes his additional head and neck cancer training to lead and oversee the maxillofacial prosthetics course and clinic each week with the prosthodontic residents. Dr. Gazdeck lectures locally and nationally on current topics in cancer treatment, dental implants, advanced restorative dentistry, and is published in the Journal of Oral Diseases.
He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontics, Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Member of the American Dental Association, and is involved with local dental societies and study clubs.
Dr. Gazdeck is married to his wife Leslie, who he met while in dental school. Leslie is a pediatric dentist in the triangle area and together they have three sons named Nate, Matt, and Will. Outside of the office, Dr. Gazdeck values family time and loves to travel, golf, and explore the outdoors.
Financial & Pricing
Transparent Pricing
We always focus on clearly communicating the cost of treatments so you know exactly what to expect.
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No Insurance, No Problem
Many of our patients pay out of pocket with cash, credit card, debit etc. We also offer third party financing through CareCredit.
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Additional Information
Early Signs of Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Signs of early gum disease, or gingivitis, include red, swollen gums. Your gums may also be tender or bleeding. It’s important to note that gum disease is often a silent disease – many people don’t notice any symptoms until it’s in its more advanced stages.
Symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease:
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Loose or sensitive teeth
You can treat gingivitis at home by eating a healthy diet, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. This will help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth and give your gums a chance to recover.
Although you can brush away plaque, calculus (hardened plaque) can only be removed by your dental hygienist. Be sure to keep up with regular professional dental cleanings to keep hard-to-reach areas free of bacteria. Most people should get their teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. Your hygienist may recommend more frequent cleanings depending on the condition of your teeth and gums.
If it’s been more than 6 months since your last professional cleaning, request an appointment today!
Contact Us
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A dental experience unlike anything you've ever experienced...
We’re Gentle
We do everything we can to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible. We want you to love coming to the dentist.
Highly Rated & Reviewed
We have a 5.0 ★ Google rating with over 200 reviews. This directly reflects the excellent service our patients receive.
Flexible Payment Options
We know that finances differ for every individual. In an effort to keep your dental care convenient and affordable, we have a variety of payment options.
Award Winning Care
Awarded the 2018 Prosthodontist Private Practice Award by the American College of Prosthodontists. This honor, given only to five practices in the U.S., recognizes his commitment to the specialty.
Industry Leading Technology
We invest in the latest and greatest technology for improved comfort and diagnostics.
Accepting New Patients
We warmly welcome new patients to our office and do our best to accommodate short notice appointments.
Industry leading technology for comfort and care.
CBCT Imaging: Get a detailed, 3D view of your oral health for precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and implant placement.
Digital Treatment Planning: Advanced digital workflows help us design restorations and implant treatments with greater accuracy and predictability.
Dental Implants: Restore missing teeth with state-of-the-art implant solutions designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Judgement free dentistry.
We know most folks don’t like going to the dentist. We use industry leading technology and super gentle techniques to ensure our patients are comfortable. We offer a wide range of solutions for patients with dental anxiety.
High quality dentistry that's accessible to all.
No one wants to be surprised with a bill for their dentistry. We always focus on being extra transparent with what work is being completed, how much treatment will cost, and what portion insurance will cover. We are competitively priced for those who do not have dental insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Common symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose or sensitive teeth.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
Gum disease is diagnosed through a dental examination, which includes checking your gums for signs of inflammation, measuring the depth of pockets around your teeth, and taking dental X-rays to assess bone loss.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional treatment. However, periodontitis, the advanced stage, can only be managed to prevent further damage.
What treatments are available for gum disease?
Treatments for gum disease include professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotics, and surgical procedures such as flap surgery, bone grafts, and tissue grafts.
