Missing a tooth? We offer personalized tooth replacement options, including dental implants and dental bridges, to restore your smile, protect your oral health, and help you eat and speak with confidence.
Single Tooth Replacement Durham, NC
Replace a Missing Tooth
- 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.
Book Now
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
Single Tooth Replacement
Replacing a missing tooth is important for maintaining your oral health, bite alignment, and confidence. At Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry, our board-certified prosthodontists offer advanced solutions for single tooth replacement, helping patients restore both the function and appearance of their smiles.
Depending on your oral health, bone structure, and treatment goals, we may recommend either a dental implant or a dental bridge. While both options can effectively replace a missing tooth, dental implants are often preferred because they provide exceptional durability and preserve neighboring healthy teeth.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Even a single missing tooth can have long-term consequences for your oral health. The empty space can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and infection. Over time, the jawbone beneath the missing tooth may begin to shrink due to lack of stimulation, potentially affecting your facial appearance and causing nearby teeth to shift out of position.
Replacing the tooth promptly helps maintain proper alignment, supports healthy bone, and restores normal chewing and speaking function.
Dental Implants for Single Tooth Replacement
A dental implant replaces both the root and crown of a missing tooth. During treatment, a small titanium implant is placed into the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the surrounding bone to create a stable foundation for the final restoration.
While the implant heals, a temporary tooth may be placed when appropriate. Once healing is complete, a custom-crafted crown is attached to the implant. The crown is carefully matched to the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, creating a seamless and natural-looking result.
Dental implants are highly durable, preserve jawbone health, and do not require altering adjacent healthy teeth, making them an excellent long-term solution for many patients.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by suspending an artificial tooth, known as a pontic, between the neighboring teeth. The supporting teeth are prepared to hold crowns that anchor the bridge securely in place.
Modern bridges are commonly fabricated from durable porcelain materials that blend naturally with surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and routine dental care, a well-maintained bridge can provide many years of reliable function and aesthetics.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The best tooth replacement solution depends on factors such as your overall oral health, jawbone condition, and personal preferences. During your consultation, our specialists will perform a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the treatment option best suited to your needs.
To learn more about replacing a missing tooth, contact Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry at (919) 489-8661 to schedule your consultation.
We’re accepting new patients. Give us a call or request an appointment online.
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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.
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FAQs About Single Tooth Replacement
What is the best way to replace a single missing tooth?
For many patients, a dental implant is the preferred solution because it replaces both the tooth and its root. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth while helping preserve the jawbone. In some cases, a dental bridge may be the best option depending on your oral health and treatment goals.
Do I need to replace one missing tooth?
Yes. Even a single missing tooth can affect your bite, make chewing more difficult, allow neighboring teeth to shift, and contribute to jawbone loss over time. Replacing the tooth helps maintain your oral health, function, and appearance.
What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
The two most common options are a dental implant and a dental bridge. During your consultation, your prosthodontist will evaluate your oral health, jawbone, and surrounding teeth to recommend the treatment that’s best for your situation.
Why should I see a prosthodontist for single tooth replacement?
Prosthodontists complete several additional years of advanced training focused on replacing missing teeth and restoring complex smiles. Their expertise allows them to provide highly functional, comfortable, and natural-looking restorations that are designed to last.