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.
Not sure which option fits your smile? Talk with our team about your tooth replacement options.
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.
IV Sedation for Dental Implant Patients
Anxiety about the procedure is one of the most common reasons people delay replacing a missing tooth, and that delay can give the jawbone more time to change beneath the gap. Smiles of Fort Myers offers IV sedation at our Fort Myers office, so patients who want a calmer visit can have implant placement with Dr. Victor Galvan, who holds a Moderate Sedation Permit and completed the DOCS IV Sedation Course.
Before becoming a dentist, Dr. Galvan spent ten years as a registered nurse, including time in a medical ICU, and that background gives him a strong foundation in patient care. We review your health history ahead of time to confirm whether IV sedation is a good fit, and you can learn more on our sedation dentistry page or in our guide on whether you feel dental work with IV sedation.
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.
What Recovery Looks Like After Implant Placement
Recovery happens in phases, and your care team will give you instructions that fit your treatment plan.
The First Few Days
Mild soreness is normal and is typically manageable with over the counter pain relief. Many patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
The First Few Weeks
Softer foods and careful cleaning around the site help the gums heal, and we will tell you exactly what to do and what to avoid.
The Following Months
The implant fuses with the jawbone while we monitor your healing, and then your final crown, bridge, or denture is placed.
Your recovery may look different if you also need a bone graft or choose IV sedation, so we personalize every plan.
Dental Implant Cost and Financing in Fort Myers
The cost of dental implants depends on how many teeth you are replacing, whether a bone graft is needed, and the type of restoration that goes on top, so a personal evaluation is the best way to get an accurate number. We accept most insurance plans, though coverage for implants varies from plan to plan, and our team can check your benefits before treatment begins.
We also offer 0% APR financing and our in-house Smile Program membership plan for patients without insurance. For a broader look at pricing, read our dental implant cost guide for Fort Myers or visit our financial information page.
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.
We speak English and Spanish. Se habla español.
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