Richard
Full-Arch Restoration
Finding Hope and Happiness at Envision Dental Implant Center in Charlotte, NC
For Richard, dental care was never routine. A rare genetic condition meant missing teeth, long-term dental prosthetics, and years of adapting to limitations most people never have to consider.
Richard lives in York, South Carolina, and was born with ectodermal dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the development of hair, skin, nails, and teeth. In his case, many of his permanent adult teeth never developed, and those that did were misshapen and difficult to maintain.
Growing Up with Missing Teeth
While other kids watched their adult teeth come in, Richard’s dental development followed a very different path. By his mid-teens, he had already undergone years of orthodontic treatment and received a permanent bridge across his upper teeth.
That bridge, placed when he was just 16, lasted more than two decades. Over time, it became harder to manage. Decay developed around the bridge, his gums began to recede, and chewing grew increasingly difficult. Richard found himself relying on one side of his mouth and avoiding foods that were chewy and required real effort to eat or foods that were cold or hot due to tooth sensitivity.
The emotional impact was just as significant as the physical.
“I didn’t want to smile in pictures. If I did, I’d smile without showing my teeth.”
- Richard
Moments that should have felt natural, like meeting new people or being included in family photos, often carried an added layer of self-consciousness.
Running Out of Options
As the years passed, Richard continued searching for solutions. He partnered with the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias, consulted with different dental providers, and even traveled out of state for consultations. Each time, the recommendation was familiar: replace the existing bridge with another temporary solution that still fell outside his financial reach.
A turning point came when Richard carefully reviewed his medical insurance policy and discovered that dental treatment related to a genetic condition could be covered under medical insurance. That realization led to a referral and ultimately to Dr. Hunter Dawson at Envision Dental Implant Center in Charlotte.
An Implant Consultation That Changed Everything
From the moment Richard arrived at Envision, the experience felt different. For the first time, the conversation focused on long-term outcomes rather than short-term fixes.
“The ride home after meeting Dr. Dawson was completely different, It felt like I hit the jackpot.”
- Richard
Dr. Hunter Dawson, a prosthodontist at Envision Dental Implant Center in Charlotte, NC, immediately recognized the complexity of Richard’s case and the need for comprehensive planning.
“Richard was missing a significant number of adult teeth and had decay around existing restorations. He didn’t just need replacement teeth. He needed a comprehensive rehabilitation that restored function, esthetics, and long-term stability.”
- Dr. Hunter Dawson
That reassurance mattered.
“Patients like Richard often come to us after years of temporary solutions. Our role is to step back, evaluate the entire picture and create a plan that will serve patients well for the long term.”
- Dr. Hunter Dawson
Knowing Dr. Dawson had treated similar cases before gave Richard confidence that this path forward was both realistic and achievable.
Why Envision Was the Right Fit
Envision’s multidisciplinary structure played a critical role in Richard’s care. Prosthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and anesthesiology support work together in one location, allowing complex cases to be planned and delivered collaboratively.
“We are a multi-specialty practice, this collaboration allows us to treat complex conditions in a coordinated, thoughtful way.”
- Dr. Hunter Dawson
Dr. Dawson served as the architect of Richard’s treatment plan, working closely with Dr. Rick Kapitan, oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, to build a stable foundation for lasting implant-supported restorations.
“Our goals are always the same. The outcome must be esthetic, functional, and improve quality of life so patients don’t have to think about their teeth every day.”
- Dr. Hunter Dawson
Trust Built Over Time
Because Richard had been let down so many times before, trust mattered. From the earliest visits through each phase of treatment, the Envision team consistently followed through, addressing concerns promptly and making Richard feel supported at every step.
Over time, frequent visits turned into familiarity. Richard felt known by the team and confident that his care was a priority, reinforcing the sense that he was truly in the right place.
A Life Changed by Confidence with Dental Implants
When treatment was complete, the changes were immediate and meaningful.
“My quality of life has changed drastically. I can smile in pictures. I can eat whatever I want. I don’t have that constant worry anymore.”
- Richard
Foods he once avoided, like steak and ice cream, are now part of everyday life again. Even more impactful was the return of confidence, something his family noticed right away.
Looking Ahead and Giving Back
Ectodermal dysplasia runs in Richard’s family, and his daughter shares the same condition. That reality gave his journey even deeper meaning.
Going through the process himself allowed Richard to create a clearer path forward for his daughter. She has already been evaluated by Dr. Dawson, and Richard feels confident knowing her future care will be guided by a team he trusts.
“Knowing that this type of care can positively impact not just one patient, but an entire family, is incredibly rewarding. That is why we do what we do.”
- Dr. Hunter Dawson
About Envision Dental Implant Center
Envision Dental Implant Center in Charlotte, NC, specializes in advanced dental implant and full-arch rehabilitation for patients with complex needs. With a unique multi-specialty team that includes prosthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and anesthesiology support, Envision provides personalized care designed to restore function, confidence, and quality of life.
If you are living with missing teeth, congenital dental conditions, or long-term dental challenges, Envision Dental Implant Center is here to help you take the next step forward.
Back