How Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery & Envision Dental Implant Center Helped David and Marlene Move Forward
For David and Marlene, dental health became a shared challenge over time. Years of ongoing dental problems, anxiety, and short-term solutions gradually shaped how they experienced everyday life together. What began with David seeking a lasting solution would ultimately lead both of them to comprehensive care at Envision Dental Implant Center and Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery in Charlotte, NC.
When Temporary Fixes Stop Working
David took good care of his teeth, but years of dental work and age-related wear began to take their toll. Routine dental visits increasingly led to difficult conversations about failing restorations and limited options.
Over time, David found himself in a familiar cycle: new decay around existing dental work, recurring sensitivity, and repeated recommendations for another crown or bridge. Each visit felt like another patch rather than meaningful progress.
“Every time I went to the dentist, it was either a root canal or a cap,” David says. “And even then, you still end up with decay.”
Eventually, his general dentist recognized that David’s needs had moved beyond what routine dentistry could provide and referred him for a comprehensive dental implant consultation.
A Restorative Dental Implant Plan with Dr. Hunter Dawson
David was referred to Envision Dental Implant Center in Charlotte, NC, where he met with Dr. Hunter Dawson, a prosthodontist who specializes in complex restorative dental implant care. After a thorough evaluation and advanced imaging, it became clear that David’s upper teeth and existing bridgework were failing.
“David had years of dental treatment that had reached the end of its lifespan,” Dr. Dawson explains. “At that point, continuing to patch failing bridges only leads to more problems. What he needed was a comprehensive solution that addressed function, comfort, and longevity.”
Rather than recommending another series of isolated fixes, Dr. Dawson proposed a full-arch implant solution designed to restore David’s smile in a predictable and efficient way.
Coordinated Oral Surgery Care with Dr. Peter Franco
As part of David’s treatment plan, Dr. Dawson partnered with oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Peter Franco of Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery in Charlotte, who works closely with the Envision team to provide surgical care for complex implant cases.
From Dr. Franco’s evaluation, it was clear that David’s oral health challenges had been developing for years.
“David came to us with compromised oral health where his remaining teeth and restorations were no longer providing stable function,” Dr. Franco explains. “That instability made it difficult for him to chew comfortably and enjoy everyday meals.”
After reviewing the findings together, the team agreed that a comprehensive surgical approach was necessary.
“Following a full evaluation, it was clear that a full-arch implant restoration was the most predictable way to restore long-term stability and function,” Dr. Franco says. “That meant removing the remaining non-restorable teeth and placing multiple dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis, rather than continuing a cycle of short-term fixes.”
Using digital planning and guided surgery, the team was able to precisely coordinate implant placement to support the final restoration.
“Digital planning allows us to position implants with a high level of accuracy,” Dr. Franco explains. “That precision supports better restorative outcomes and helps make the process more efficient and comfortable for the patient.”
David was able to have his remaining teeth removed, dental implants placed, and a fixed prosthetic delivered in a single day. He was comfortably asleep throughout the procedure and returned home to recover without prolonged gaps in function.
He noticed the difference almost immediately, particularly the improved stability and the absence of the day-to-day frustrations he had experienced with failing bridgework.
Why Envision Was the Right Fit
What stood out to David was how seamlessly his care was coordinated. In the past, complex dental treatments often meant multiple referrals and disconnected appointments. At Envision, his treatment was planned and delivered by Dr. Dawson and Dr. Franco of CCOFS working together in one location.
“We are a multi-specialty practice,” Dr. Dawson explains. “Prosthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and anesthesiology support all work together in one location, which allows us to treat complex conditions in a coordinated, thoughtful way.”
The result was more than a new set of teeth. It was a long-term shift away from chronic dental problems and the ongoing mental and financial burden that came with them.
One Success Becomes a Shared Decision
As David regained comfort and confidence with his restoration, the impact was noticeable at home. Seeing his outcome helped Marlene recognize a path forward for herself.
Marlene had been living with advanced periodontal disease, sensitivity, and significant dental anxiety. Gum problems affected her comfort and limited what she felt able to eat, while anxiety made routine dental care feel overwhelming.
A Carefully Planned Path Forward for Marlene
Marlene’s treatment was also planned collaboratively by Dr. Dawson and Dr. Franco. Bone loss from periodontal disease meant additional implant preparation was required before dental implants could be placed.
“Marlene’s bone loss required us to rebuild a stable foundation before implant placement,” Dr. Franco explains. “Bone grafting allowed us to create the support needed for long-term implant success.”
Dr. Dawson notes that emotional comfort was just as important as clinical planning.
“Patients like Marlene often delay care because of anxiety,” he says. “Our role is to create a supportive environment, build trust, and deliver a treatment plan that addresses both the clinical and emotional needs of the patient.”
A New Chapter for Marlene
With clear communication and coordinated care, Marlene was able to move forward with treatment in a way that felt manageable.
“I trusted Dr. Dawson completely,” Marlene says. “And I had no issues at all.”
Over time, her experience with dental care changed. What once felt intimidating became familiar and supportive. The outcome allowed her to enjoy meals and everyday moments without constant sensitivity or worry.
A Life Changed for Both of Them
Today, David and Marlene share something they did not have before: peace of mind.
For David, that meant stepping out of a cycle of repeated dental repairs. For Marlene, it meant moving past years of anxiety and gum-related problems toward a healthier, more stable foundation.
“She smiles now,” David says. “That’s something I hadn’t seen in years.”
According to Dr. Franco, cases like theirs highlight the importance of true collaboration.
“Our team-based approach allows the surgical and restorative sides of care to work together seamlessly,” he says. “By planning cases digitally and coordinating treatment from start to finish, we’re able to address both function and aesthetics giving patients not just new teeth, but renewed confidence and comfort.”
For their family, those changes show up in simple ways: meals that feel easier, photos that feel natural, and fewer days shaped by dental concerns.
About Envision Dental Implant Center
Envision Dental Implant Center in Charlotte, NC, specializes in advanced dental implant and full-arch restoration for patients with complex needs. Working in partnership with Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, the multi-specialty team 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 chronic dental problems, Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery and Envision Dental Implant Center are here to help you take the next step forward.