Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Teeth Whitening and Veneers?

Teeth Whitening uses professional-grade bleaching agents to remove stains from natural enamel. Veneers are custom-made porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to permanently correct deep stains, chips, or gaps.

Invisalign and Clear Aligners use a series of custom-made, nearly invisible trays to gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions without the use of metal brackets or wires.

We offer single Dental Implants for individual tooth replacement, as well as All-on-4 and All-on-X (4 to 6+ implants) to support a full, permanent arch of teeth for total smile restoration.

A Root Canal is used to save a tooth when the interior pulp is infected. A Dental Crown is a durable porcelain cap placed over a damaged or treated tooth to restore its strength, shape, and size.

Yes, Prime Dental performs routine Tooth Extractions, complex Wisdom Teeth Removal, and Same-Day Emergency Extractions for patients in immediate pain or with severe dental trauma.

We repair broken or decayed teeth using composite Tooth Fillings and Bondings that match your natural tooth color, or high-strength porcelain crowns for more extensive structural repairs.

A Smile Makeover uses Digital Smile Design to plan a comprehensive transformation using Cosmetic Dentistry procedures like veneers, whitening, and gum contouring for your ideal aesthetic result.

Yes, we provide Botox for wrinkle reduction and TMJ relief, Bio-Fillers for volume restoration, and Microneedling to enhance skin texture and collagen production as part of our facial aesthetic services.

We recommend professional Teeth Cleaning and Hygiene appointments every 6 months to remove plaque/tartar and maintain the health of your natural teeth, implants, and cosmetic restorations.

The cost of dental implants varies based on your specific needs and treatment complexity. A single tooth dental implant typically ranges from $3,000-$5,000, which includes the implant post, abutment, and crown. Full arch solutions like All-on-4 range from $20,000-$30,000 per arch. At Prime Dental, Dr. Jessica Rivas-Plata provides complimentary consultations with 3D imaging to create a personalized treatment plan and exact pricing. We offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Cherry, Sunbit, and Proceed Finance to make dental implants affordable. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of implant costs. The investment in dental implants is worthwhile – they last 25+ years with proper care and prevent bone loss that occurs with missing teeth.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after dental implant surgery. At Prime Dental, Dr. Rivas-Plata uses advanced techniques to ensure a comfortable experience. During the procedure, you’re fully numbed with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain – just pressure. We also offer sedation options for anxious patients. After surgery, most patients describe the discomfort as less than a tooth extraction. You may experience mild soreness, swelling, or bruising for 3-5 days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Dr. Rivas-Plata’s precise 3D guided surgery technique minimizes trauma to surrounding tissue, leading to faster healing and less post-operative discomfort. Most patients return to work the next day.

Dental implants can last 25+ years to a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Studies show dental implants have a 95-98% success rate over 10 years. The titanium implant post itself can last a lifetime as it fuses permanently with your jawbone through osseointegration. The crown on top may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear, similar to natural teeth. Factors that affect longevity include: oral hygiene habits, regular dental checkups, not smoking, and controlling conditions like diabetes. At Prime Dental, Dr. Rivas-Plata uses premium implant systems and provides detailed aftercare instructions to maximize the lifespan of your investment. With proper care, dental implants are the most durable tooth replacement option available.

All-on-4 dental implants is a revolutionary procedure that replaces all teeth in your upper or lower jaw using just four strategically placed dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures that slip and require adhesives, All-on-4 provides a permanent, fixed solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. The procedure uses advanced 3D planning to place four implants at precise angles to maximize existing bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. At Prime Dental, Dr. Rivas-Plata often provides same-day teeth – you leave with a functional temporary set the day of surgery, and receive your permanent custom prosthesis after healing. All-on-4 is ideal for patients with significant tooth loss, failing teeth, or uncomfortable dentures. It restores full chewing function, prevents bone loss, and transforms your smile in a single day.

Most Invisalign and clear aligner treatments take 12-18 months to complete, though treatment time varies based on the complexity of your case. Simple cases with minor crowding or spacing may take as little as 6-8 months, while more complex cases involving significant misalignment may take 18-24 months. At Prime Dental, Dr. Rivas-Plata uses iTero 3D digital scanning to create a precise treatment plan and show you a preview of your results before you begin. You’ll wear each set of clear aligners for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set. Most patients see noticeable improvement within 2-3 months. Factors that affect treatment time include: severity of misalignment, your age, compliance with wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily, and following Dr. Rivas-Plata’s instructions. Schedule a free consultation to get an exact timeline for your specific case.

Porcelain veneers typically cost $1,000-$2,500 per tooth, depending on the material quality, complexity of your case, and number of veneers needed. A complete smile makeover (8-10 veneers for upper teeth) ranges from $8,000-$20,000. At Prime Dental, Dr. Rivas-Plata uses Digital Smile Design technology to create custom veneers that perfectly complement your facial features. The price includes consultation, digital smile preview, custom fabrication of premium porcelain veneers, and placement. While veneers are typically not covered by dental insurance (cosmetic procedure), we offer flexible financing options through CareCredit, Cherry, and other providers. Veneers are a long-term investment – they last 10-15 years with proper care and can transform chips, gaps, stains, and misshapen teeth into a Weston, Southwest Ranches, Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, Parkland, Davie, and Plantation families quality smile. Schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation for personalized pricing.

Yes, BOTOX administered by a qualified dental professional is extremely safe and often more precise than at traditional medical spas. Dentists have extensive training in facial anatomy, oral muscles, and nerve pathways – critical knowledge for safe, effective BOTOX administration. At Prime Dental, Dr. Jessica Rivas-Plata has over 25 years of experience working with facial structures and provides both cosmetic BOTOX (wrinkle reduction) and therapeutic BOTOX (TMJ treatment, teeth grinding, jaw tension). Dental offices offer unique advantages: understanding of how facial muscles interact with your bite, ability to address both aesthetic and functional concerns, and sterile clinical environment. BOTOX at Prime Dental is FDA-approved, uses medical-grade products, and results last 3-4 months. Dr. Rivas-Plata’s anatomical expertise ensures natural-looking results with minimal risk of complications. Same-day appointments often available.

For a dental emergency, call Prime Dental immediately at (754) 300-8929. We prioritize urgent cases and offer same-day emergency appointments for severe toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings/crowns, dental abscesses, and facial trauma. If you have a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown (not root), rinse gently with water, and try to place it back in the socket or store in milk – then get to our office within 30 minutes for best chance of saving the tooth. For severe pain, rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain medication. For a broken tooth, save any pieces and rinse your mouth. Do NOT use aspirin directly on gums (causes burns) or ignore the problem. Dental emergencies worsen quickly and can lead to infections, bone loss, or tooth loss if untreated. Dr. Rivas-Plata and our bilingual team are here to provide immediate relief. Walk-ins welcome for urgent cases.

The most effective way to whiten teeth is professional whitening at Prime Dental. We offer two options: in-office laser whitening (results in one hour) and custom take-home whitening trays. In-office whitening uses professional-strength bleaching gel (much stronger than over-the-counter products) and typically lightens teeth 6-8 shades in a single visit. Results last 1-2 years with proper maintenance. Custom take-home trays cost less and provide gradual whitening over 2-3 weeks – you’ll see results in 3-5 days. While drugstore whitening strips and toothpastes can help maintain results, they’re significantly weaker and take much longer to show results. Dr. Rivas-Plata evaluates your teeth and gums to ensure safe, effective whitening and can address stubborn stains that over-the-counter products can’t remove. Professional whitening is safe for enamel when performed correctly. Not a candidate for whitening? We also offer porcelain veneers for dramatic, permanent smile transformation.

For immediate tooth pain relief, rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen works best for dental pain), and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes. However, these are temporary measures – tooth pain indicates an underlying problem that requires professional treatment. Common causes include cavities, cracked teeth, exposed roots, gum disease, or dental infections. At Prime Dental, we offer same-day emergency appointments for severe tooth pain. Call (754) 300-8929 immediately – don’t wait for pain to worsen. Dr. Rivas-Plata will identify the source of pain and provide definitive treatment, whether it’s a filling, root canal, extraction, or other procedure. Ignoring tooth pain can lead to serious complications including abscesses, bone infections, and tooth loss. Do NOT place aspirin directly on gums (causes chemical burns) or use oral numbing gels for more than 2 days. Walk-ins welcome for urgent pain cases.