AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas man who had nine of his teeth knocked out in a violent assault during Austin’s gay pride weekend in 2012, is sporting a new smile thanks to the goodwill of an Austin dentist.
For more than a year, Dr. Gary Cash, D.D.S., has provided free dental reconstruction, including implants, for Andrew Oppelman, who police say was attacked due to his sexual orientation.
On Sept. 21, 2012, Oppelman and his friend Nick Soret were waiting for a slice of pizza at a mobile food truck when police say Lambert Borgardt accused Soret of hitting on him. Surveillance cameras caught the moments Borgardt attacked Soret and then Oppelman when he stepped in to help his friend.
Oppelman lost nine teeth in the attack. Borgardt, who fled the scene, was later indicted by a grand jury for third degree felony assault.
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Following the attack, Cash stepped in, and with the aid of the Victim’s Relief Fund, provided the dental reconstruction which would normally cost six figures.
Watch a report from KVUE-TV:
