Replace loose or uncomfortable dentures with implant-retained dentures that look natural, stay securely in place, and help restore your quality of life. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified prosthodontists to learn if implant-supported dentures are right for you.
Implant Retained Dentures Durham, NC
Eat, Speak & Smile with Confidence Again
- 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
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures offer a secure, comfortable, and long-lasting solution for replacing multiple missing teeth or a full arch of teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on the gums and may shift during daily activities, implant-retained dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone for enhanced stability and function.
At Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry, our board-certified prosthodontists provide personalized implant-retained denture solutions to help patients regain confidence in their smiles while improving chewing ability, speech, and overall quality of life.
How Implant-Retained Dentures Work
The treatment begins by placing dental implants into the jawbone, where they serve as artificial tooth roots. As the implants heal, they fuse with the surrounding bone through a natural process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the final restoration.
Once healing is complete, a custom-made denture is securely attached to the implants using specialized connectors. This provides significantly greater stability than conventional removable dentures while creating a natural-looking smile.
Types of Implant-Retained Dentures
Removable Overdentures
Implant-supported overdentures snap securely onto dental implants but can be removed by the patient for cleaning and maintenance. They provide improved retention while remaining easy to care for.
Fixed Implant Dentures
Fixed implant dentures are permanently secured to dental implants and can only be removed by your dental provider. Many patients prefer this option because it closely resembles the feel and function of natural teeth.
Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures
- Improved chewing ability and eating comfort
- Enhanced speech and pronunciation
- Greater stability than traditional dentures
- Natural-looking appearance and restored facial support
- Increased confidence and quality of life
- Preservation of jawbone health by reducing bone loss
- Long-lasting durability with proper care and maintenance
Treatment Process
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation, including a clinical examination and diagnostic imaging such as digital X-rays or CT scans. These records allow our specialists to evaluate your jawbone and create a customized treatment plan.
During implant surgery, two to six dental implants are typically placed in each arch, depending on the restoration being planned. After placement, a healing period of several months allows the implants to integrate with the jawbone before the final denture is attached.
Once healing is complete, your custom restoration is secured using an attachment system designed specifically for your treatment. Regular follow-up appointments help ensure your implants and dentures remain healthy, functional, and comfortable for years to come.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re looking for a more stable alternative to traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures may be the ideal solution. Contact Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry at (919) 489-8661 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your tooth replacement options.
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or call 919-489-8661
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.
