Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Arnett Dental Care, we typically recommend that most patients schedule a professional teeth cleaning and comprehensive exam every six months. This twice-yearly schedule has become the gold standard in preventive dentistry because it allows Dr. Arnett and Dr. Pruitt to catch potential issues early, before they develop into more serious, and often more costly, problems.

Dentistry Tailored to You

However, we recognize that every smile is unique! Your individual needs may vary based on several factors, including your oral health history, gum health, risk of cavities, and conditions such as diabetes that can affect your dental health. Some patients with gum disease or a history of frequent cavities may benefit from more frequent visits, perhaps every three to four months. 

What to Expect at Preventive Teeth Cleaning and Checkup

During your cleaning and exam at our Murray dental office, our skilled hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing can't tackle, while Dr. Arnett or Dr. Pruitt will check for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other concerns. These routine visits are your best defense against dental problems.

We encourage you to think of these appointments as investments in your overall health, and not just your smile. Regular cleanings help you avoid painful emergencies and keep your teeth healthy for life.

Have questions about your ideal cleaning schedule? Contact Arnett Dental Care today at (270) 753-6386 and let's create a personalized plan that works for you!

The cost of cosmetic dentistry varies widely depending on the specific treatment you're considering and your unique dental needs. At Arnett Dental Care, we believe that investing in your smile shouldn't be out of reach, which is why we're committed to providing transparent pricing and flexible payment options.

Planning for Your Cosmetic Dental Treatment Plan

Simple procedures like professional teeth whitening are typically more affordable, while comprehensive smile makeovers involving veneers, crowns, or implants represent a larger investment. During your consultation with Dr. Arnett or Dr. Pruitt, we'll discuss your goals and provide a detailed treatment plan with clear cost estimates, no surprises, just honest guidance.

We understand that cost is an important consideration when you're thinking about enhancing your smile. That's why Arnett Dental Care partners with CareCredit, a healthcare financing solution that makes cosmetic dentistry more accessible. CareCredit offers flexible payment plans with low monthly options, allowing you to break down the cost into manageable installments rather than paying everything upfront.

Many of our Murray, KY patients have discovered that cosmetic dentistry is more affordable than they initially thought, especially when they consider the long-term benefits. A beautiful, confident smile can positively impact your personal life, professional opportunities, and overall self-esteem.

Ready to Book an Evaluation?

We encourage you to think of cosmetic dentistry as an investment in yourself. During your visit, we'll work together to find solutions that fit both your aesthetic goals and your budget.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Arnett Dental Care at (270) 753-6327 to schedule your consultation!

If you're missing one or more teeth, Dr. Arnett and Dr. Pruitt can help you explore two excellent restoration options: dental implants and bridges. While both solutions effectively replace missing teeth and restore your smile, they work in different ways and offer unique benefits.

Understanding Your Options

Tooth Implants in Murray

Dental implants are titanium posts that are biocompatible. They're placed into your jawbone during a simple surgical procedure, and they act as a prosthetic tooth root. A custom crown is then attached to the implant, creating a complete tooth replacement that stands independently.

Dental Bridges in Murray

Dental bridges literally "bridge" the gap created by missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to your surrounding natural teeth, which are crowned to support the restoration.

Here are the key differences to consider:

• Support structure — Implants are anchored directly into your jawbone, while bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support
• Preservation of natural teeth — Implants don't affect neighboring teeth, whereas bridges require reshaping the adjacent teeth to hold the bridge in place
• Bone health — Implants stimulate your jawbone and prevent bone loss, while bridges don't provide this benefit
• Longevity — Implants can last a lifetime with proper care, while bridges typically last 10-15 years before replacement
• Treatment time — Bridges can often be completed faster, while implants require a healing period of several months
• Cost — Bridges generally have a lower upfront cost, though implants may be more cost-effective long-term

Talk with Our Team

During your consultation at our Murray dental office, we'll evaluate your specific situation and help you choose the best option for your smile and lifestyle!

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, and maintaining them is surprisingly straightforward. At Arnett Dental Care, Dr. Arnett and Dr. Pruitt recommend treating your implants just like your natural teeth to ensure their longevity.

Daily Care Routine

Brush your implants at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss carefully around each implant once per day, or use interdental brushes specifically designed for implants. Water flossers can be particularly effective at cleaning hard-to-reach areas around the implant crown and abutment.

Regular Professional Maintenance

Schedule regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings every six months. During these visits, our dentists will examine your implants for any signs of complications and remove plaque buildup that can lead to peri-implantitis, an infection that threatens implant stability.

Lifestyle Considerations

Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy, which can damage the implant crown. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a custom nightguard to protect your investment. Smoking significantly increases implant failure risk, so quitting is highly recommended.

Watch for Warning Signs

Contact our Murray, KY office immediately if you notice bleeding, swelling, looseness, or discomfort around your implant. Early intervention can prevent serious complications.

With consistent home care and regular professional monitoring, dental implants in Murray can provide decades of reliable function and a beautiful smile.

If you have questions about caring for your implants, our team at Arnett Dental Care is always here to help. Call us at (270) 753-6327.

Choosing the right denture is an important decision, and Dr. Arnett and Dr. Pruitt are here to guide you through your options. While we'll provide expert recommendations based on your oral health and lifestyle, you'll always have the final say in what feels right for your smile and your life.

Understanding Dentures in Murray

• Partial Dentures — These are ideal if you're missing a few teeth but also still have healthy natural teeth remaining. This appliance is removable and fills gaps while attaching to your existing teeth with discreet clasps, preventing your remaining teeth from shifting.
• Complete Dentures — An acrylic appliance that replaces all teeth on your upper or lower arch (or both). These removable prosthetics rest on your gums and are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably while restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
• Implant-Supported Dentures — These offer enhanced stability by anchoring to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures that can slip, implant-supported dentures stay securely in place, providing superior comfort and chewing power while helping preserve your jawbone.

During your consultation at our Murray dental office, we'll discuss your specific needs, budget, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. We'll explain the benefits and considerations of each option, answer all your questions, and help you weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Contact Arnett Dental Care

Ultimately, this is your smile and your decision. Our role is to ensure you have all the information you need to make a confident choice. Together, we'll find the denture solution that helps you look and feel your absolute best!

A full smile makeover is a personalized combination of cosmetic and restorative treatments designed to transform your smile, and the investment varies significantly based on your unique goals and needs. At Arnett Dental Care, we understand this is a big decision, and we're committed to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams in a way that fits your budget.

Creating Personalized Treatment

The cost of your smile makeover depends on which treatments are included in your personalized plan. Some makeovers might involve teeth whitening, bonding, and veneers, while others may include crowns, implants, or orthodontics.

During your consultation with Dr. Arnett or Dr. Pruitt, we'll listen carefully to your concerns and aspirations, then create a comprehensive treatment plan with transparent pricing, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

We Offer Payment Options

We believe that everyone deserves access to a confident, beautiful smile. That's why Arnett Dental Care partners with CareCredit, offering flexible financing options that break down your investment into manageable monthly payments. This allows you to begin your smile transformation without the stress of paying everything up front.

Many patients are surprised to discover that a smile makeover is more attainable than they imagined, especially when considering the life-changing benefits. A stunning smile can boost your confidence, enhance your professional image, and improve your overall quality of life.

We invite you to call us at (270) 753-6327 to schedule a consultation to discuss your vision, explore your options, and create a financial plan that works for you. Your dream smile is closer than you think!

At Arnett Dental Care, we understand that dental anxiety is real, and we want every patient to feel comfortable and relaxed during their visit. That's why Dr. Arnett and Dr. Pruitt are pleased to offer nitrous oxide sedation to help ease your nerves and make your dental experience as pleasant as possible.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

Nitrous oxide is a safe, effective sedation option that's been used in dentistry for decades. During your procedure, you'll breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask worn during your procedure. Within minutes, you'll feel relaxed and at ease while remaining fully conscious and able to respond to Dr. Arnett or Dr. Pruitt throughout your treatment.

One of the best benefits of nitrous oxide is how quickly it works, and how quickly it wears off! Once your procedure is complete and the mask is removed, the effects disappear within minutes, allowing you to resume your normal activities right away. Many patients appreciate that they can even drive themselves home after their appointment.

Talk with Our Dentists about Your Needs

Whether you experience mild nervousness or significant dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can transform your experience from stressful to serene. We believe that fear shouldn't stand between you and excellent oral health.

If you've been avoiding the dentist due to anxiety, or if you're curious about whether nitrous oxide might be right for you, we encourage you to discuss it during your next visit. Our team is here to ensure your comfort every step of the way!

Yes! Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile when performed under the supervision of Dr. Arnett or Dr. Pruitt at Arnett Dental Care. While over-the-counter whitening products flood the market with varying results, professional whitening offers superior safety, efficacy, and peace of mind.

The Professional Teeth Whitening Process

At our Murray dental office, we carefully evaluate your oral health before recommending any whitening treatment. This ensures that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for the procedure and helps us customize the treatment to your specific needs and goals.

Here's why professional teeth whitening is your safest choice:

• Customized treatment — We tailor the whitening strength and application time to your unique teeth, minimizing sensitivity while maximizing results
• Professional supervision — Dr. Arnett and Dr. Pruitt monitor your progress and can address any concerns immediately
• Protective measures — We take steps to protect your gums and soft tissues from irritation during the whitening process
• Quality products —Professional-grade whitening agents are tested, regulated, and proven effective, unlike many store-bought options
• Oral health screening — We identify any underlying issues like cavities or gum disease that should be addressed before whitening
• Predictable results — You'll achieve noticeably whiter teeth without the guesswork of DIY treatments

Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening, but this typically resolves quickly. We'll provide guidance on managing any discomfort and ensuring long-lasting results.

Ready to reveal a brighter, more confident smile safely? Contact Arnett Dental Care at (270) 753-6327 to learn more about our professional teeth whitening options!

We understand that the thought of a tooth extraction can feel intimidating, but at Arnett Dental Care, we prioritize your comfort throughout the entire process. The good news? Modern dentistry has come a long way, and tooth extractions are much more comfortable than you might imagine.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction in Murray, KY

Before your extraction begins, we'll ensure the area is completely numb using local anesthesia. You shouldn't feel pain during the procedure, though you may feel some pressure or movement as the tooth is gently removed. Our team will check in with you regularly to make sure you're comfortable every step of the way.

For patients who experience dental anxiety or want extra relaxation during their extraction, we're pleased to offer nitrous oxide sedation, commonly known as "laughing gas." This safe, effective option helps you feel calm and at ease throughout your procedure while remaining fully conscious.

The best part? The effects wear off quickly after your appointment, so you can get back to your day.

We're Here for You Throughout Your Recovery Process

After your extraction, some tenderness and mild discomfort are normal as your mouth heals. Dr. Arnett or Dr. Pruitt will provide detailed aftercare instructions and may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort. Most patients find that any post-procedure soreness is easily manageable and improves significantly within a few days.

Your comfort is our priority at our Murray, KY, dental office. If you have concerns about an upcoming extraction or want to discuss sedation options, don't hesitate to talk with our team. 

Dental veneers are a popular and transformative cosmetic solution that can give you the beautiful smile you've always wanted. Dr. Arnett and Dr. Pruitt offer both porcelain and composite veneers, and the longevity of your veneers depends largely on which type you choose and how well you care for them.

Understanding Dental Veneers

• Porcelain Veneers — are thin, custom-crafted shells of dental ceramic that are permanently bonded to the front of your teeth. These premium restorations typically last 10-15 years or even longer with excellent care, offering exceptional durability and a naturally beautiful appearance.
• Composite Veneers — are crafted from tooth-colored resin material and applied directly to your teeth in a single visit. While more affordable and less invasive, composite veneers generally last 5-7 years before needing replacement or touch-ups.

Here are the key differences between porcelain and composite veneers:

• Lifespan — Porcelain veneers last 10-15+ years, while composite veneers typically last 5-7 years
• Stain resistance — Porcelain resists staining better than composite, maintaining its brightness longer
• Durability — Porcelain is stronger and more chip-resistant than composite resin
• Appearance — Porcelain mimics natural tooth enamel more closely with superior translucency and luster
• Treatment time — Composite veneers can be completed in one visit, while porcelain requires multiple appointments
• Cost — Composite veneers have a lower upfront cost, though porcelain may be more cost-effective long-term
• Repairability — Composite veneers can often be repaired in-office, while damaged porcelain veneers typically need replacement

With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and visits to our Murray dental office, your veneers can provide you with a stunning smile for many years to come!