Dr. Victor Galvan and Dr. Claudia Orta bring more than a decade of combined dental and healthcare experience to patients in Fort Myers, FL. Dr. Galvan completed advanced training in implant dentistry through the AAID MaxiCourse and holds a Moderate Sedation Permit for patients who want extra comfort during treatment.
A missing tooth changes more than your smile. It can shift the way you chew, place extra strain on the teeth next door, and slowly reshape the jawbone underneath, so many people put off doing anything about it because they assume the only options are a removable denture or a bridge that relies on healthy teeth for support.
At Smiles of Fort Myers, we recommend dental implants whenever a patient is a good candidate, because an implant replaces the missing tooth root instead of only covering the gap above the gumline. Dr. Victor Galvan completed advanced training in implant dentistry through the AAID MaxiCourse and holds a Moderate Sedation Permit, so Fort Myers, FL patients who need a single implant or a full All-on-X implant treatment have access to both surgical placement and IV sedation in the same office.
How Dental Implants Work
An implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over several months in a process called osseointegration. Once healed, it acts as an artificial root that supports a crown, bridge, or denture, and it can potentially hold up for decades with routine care. A 2026 dataset published in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials tracked more than 150,000 implants and reported a clinical success rate above 97 percent, including cases that needed bone grafting first. Placement itself typically happens in a single appointment, and most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, though the bone-fusion phase takes longer to complete.
Implants Compared With Dentures and Bridges
Patients considering tooth replacement usually weigh implants against a removable denture or a fixed bridge, and the right fit depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of the surrounding bone and teeth.
| Factor | Dental Implants | Dentures or Bridges |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Fixed in place, functions like a natural tooth | Removable dentures can shift, bridges are fixed but rely on nearby teeth |
| Jawbone Health | Helps maintain bone density at the site | Bone loss can continue under the missing tooth |
| Nearby Teeth | Does not require altering neighboring teeth | A bridge typically requires reshaping the teeth on either side |
| Typical Longevity | Can potentially last decades with proper care | Often need adjustment or replacement over time |
Because every mouth heals differently, the option that fits you best is easiest to confirm during a one-on-one evaluation rather than decided from a chart alone.
Implant Solutions We Offer
Every case is different, so we walk through the option that fits your bone structure, budget, and the number of teeth that need replacing before recommending a path forward.
Implant-Supported Dentures
A denture that snaps onto a small number of implants for a more secure, comfortable fit than a traditional removable denture. Learn more about implant-supported dentures.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
A combination approach for patients who need multiple teeth restored at once, often pairing implants with crowns or bridges. Read about full mouth reconstruction.
Implant-Supported Crowns and Bridges
A single implant can anchor a crown, or a few implants can anchor a bridge, without altering the teeth on either side. See our crowns and bridges options.
You may also wish to consider dental implants if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth from decay, injury, or gum disease
- Want a fixed solution rather than a removable denture
- Have enough jawbone to support an implant, or are open to bone grafting if needed
- Prefer a low-maintenance routine that fits your existing oral care habits
Not everyone is a candidate right away, but many patients who are not can still qualify after a bone graft or other preparatory treatment.
Is Dental Implant Treatment Right for You?
The best way to find out is a one-on-one consultation, where we evaluate your jawbone density, gum health, and overall goals for your smile. Patients with healthy gums and enough supporting bone tend to see the strongest outcomes, and patients who smoke or manage conditions like uncontrolled diabetes may need extra planning before treatment. If you think dental implants may be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation so we can evaluate your tooth replacement needs together.
What Getting an Implant at Our Fort Myers Office Involves
Treatment happens in stages, and knowing what to expect ahead of time makes the process feel less unfamiliar.
Consultation and Imaging
We review your dental history and take images to map your bone structure.
Implant Placement
The implant post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia or IV sedation.
Healing and Osseointegration
Over the following months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone.
Final Restoration
A custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached, completing your new smile.
Most of the appointments in this process are shorter than patients expect, and we walk through the full timeline before any treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants in Fort Myers
Schedule Your Implant Consultation at Smiles of Fort Myers
Dr. Victor Galvan and Dr. Claudia Orta bring more than a decade of combined dental and healthcare experience to every implant consultation at our Fort Myers, FL office, with Dr. Galvan’s advanced training in implant dentistry and IV sedation giving anxious patients an added layer of comfort. We also offer 0% APR financing and our in-house Smile Program membership plan for patients without insurance, so cost does not have to stand between you and a complete smile.
If you are ready to talk through your options with our dentists, we would be glad to walk you through what dental implants could look like for you. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.
