hero 6

Replacing Missing Teeth Durham, NC

Tooth Replacement Options for Every Smile

Missing teeth can make eating, speaking, and smiling more difficult while leading to bone loss and additional dental problems over time. Our prosthodontic specialists provide personalized tooth replacement solutions that restore your smile, protect your oral health, and improve your quality of life.

Book Now

or call 919-489-8661

svg+xml;charset=utf

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

How Missing Teeth Affect Your Oral Health

Missing teeth can impact much more than your appearance. Tooth loss can affect your bite, speech, chewing ability, and overall oral health while placing additional stress on your remaining teeth. Over time, this extra strain may lead to premature wear, damage, headaches, jaw pain, and even further tooth loss.

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to shrink because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root. Significant bone loss can occur during the first year after extraction, making future tooth replacement more challenging. Dental implants help preserve jawbone structure by functioning like natural tooth roots, supporting both your oral health and facial appearance.

At Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry, our specialists can help you choose the most appropriate treatment to restore your smile and protect your long-term dental health.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Tooth Replacement Options

There are several effective ways to replace missing teeth, ranging from temporary appliances to permanent restorations.

Fixed Bridge

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the neighboring teeth. This typically requires reshaping the adjacent teeth to support the restoration.

Flipper

A flipper is a lightweight, removable appliance with a single replacement tooth. It is generally used as a temporary and economical solution while planning permanent treatment.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Partial Denture

A removable partial denture uses a metal framework and acrylic teeth to replace multiple missing teeth. It is secured with clasps and can be removed for cleaning.

Complete Denture

Patients missing all teeth in an upper or lower arch may benefit from complete dentures. While many people adapt well to dentures, comfort and stability can vary depending on jaw anatomy.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered the most durable and natural-feeling tooth replacement option. They replace the tooth root with a titanium implant that supports a crown, bridge, or denture while helping preserve the jawbone. Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require altering healthy adjacent teeth and can last for decades with proper care.

Most patients missing one or more teeth—or those dissatisfied with removable dentures—may be candidates for dental implants. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your jawbone with diagnostic imaging and determine whether implants are the right solution for your needs.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

We’re accepting new patients. Give us a call or request an appointment online.

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.

svg+xml;charset=utf
svg+xml;charset=utf
svg+xml;charset=utf
DDS, MS, FACP

Dr. Geoffrey R. Cunningham

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.

View Full Bio
svg+xml;charset=utf
DDS, MS, FACP

Dr. Kyle Gazdeck

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.

View Full Bio

My first visit to Dr. Cunningham’s office was very positive. His receptionist, administrator, and assistant were all very friendly, informative, and easy to talk to. Dr. Cunningham was very thorough. Asking probing questions, taking notes, and listening intently. He took his time and made me feel comfortable. All-in-all a very enjoyable visit to the dentist.

David B.Google Review

I was very impressed with the services of Dr. Cunningham and staff. It was so easy to schedule my initial appointment with Ashley. Afterwards she got me in almost 2 weeks earlier than my initially scheduled appointment. Dr. Cunningham and Brenda made me feel comfortable and their service was top-notch. The front desk staff were amazing. My overall experience was a positive one and I would highly recommend Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry to anyone. Thanks to Dr. Cunningham for diagnosing my problem after a long time of pain!

Crysta H.Google Review

I had a bicycle accident as a child that chipped my front teeth and caused lasting damage and constant revision of dental work causing me to be extremely anxious about going to the dentist. I was finally at a point where I needed implants for my front teeth. I met with another practice for a consultation and after hearing about what my temporary teeth would look like for approximately a year during the implant process I left in tears and never went back. I met Dr. Gazdeck for consultation and he and his staff were extremely friendly...

Brook N.Google Review

What first comes to mind is competent, caring, professional, and friendly. Dr. Cunningham takes great care and pride in his work. He is very precise and makes sure that all work is completed to exacting standards. Every crown has fit perfectly. The office makes you feel welcome and that you are being taken care of by professionals.

Fred B.Google Review

The team is very professional, very friendly and welcoming. Both Dr. Gazdeck and Dr.Cunningham are top-notch dentists. The office is super clean and infection control safety measures are followed (i.e. hand washing and cleaning surfaces - very important to me as a healthcare worker and the Covid pandemic). Highly recommend

Chris R.Google Review

Financial & Pricing

Transparent Pricing

We always focus on clearly communicating the cost of treatments so you know exactly what to expect.

01

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.

02

What are my options for replacing missing teeth?

What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?

What happens if I don't replace a missing tooth?

Can I replace multiple missing teeth?