General Dentistry in Wilmington & Seaford, DE

Comprehensive Care for Your Dental Health

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and radiant smile, regular visits to a trusted dentist are essential. Seaford and Wilmington, DE general dentists, Dr. Paul E. Brown and Dr. Christopher S. Baran of Brown and Baran Family Dentistry provide a wide range of general dentistry services to ensure your oral health is in top condition. With their expertise and dedication, they offer a comprehensive approach to dental care, focusing on preventive measures, advanced treatments, and personalized attention for every patient.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a highly effective procedure for saving severely infected or damaged teeth. If the innermost nerves and blood vessels, known as the pulp, become infected due to decay or injury, our experienced dentists can provide the necessary treatment. 

Using modern techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, our Seaford and Wilmington general dentists will carefully remove the infected pulp, disinfect the tooth’s interior, and fill it with a synthetic dental composite. To ensure long-lasting protection, they will also place a dental crown. By preserving your natural tooth, Dr. Brown and Dr. Baran help maintain your oral health, alleviate pain, and restore functionality to your smile.

Family Dentistry

At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, we prioritize good oral health for patients of all ages. From the first tooth eruption in children to restorative care for seniors, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services to maintain the health of your smile. 

Drs. Brown and Baran recommend that children come in for an assessment by their first birthday to ensure that teeth are erupting properly, returning every six months for check-ups and cleanings. We can also use sealants and fluoride to protect baby teeth and create a healthy foundation for permanent teeth. 

Our tailored services are designed to meet the specific needs of different age groups, guaranteeing that every patient receives the necessary treatments and education for optimal oral health.

Oral Cancer Screening

At our Seaford and Wilmington dental practice, we prioritize your overall health, which is why we perform oral cancer screenings during your regular cleaning appointments. One of our dentists and hygienists will conduct thorough visual examinations of your teeth and gums, carefully looking for any spots, sores, lumps, or rough areas that could indicate potential signs of oral cancer. 

If any abnormalities are detected during the screening, we offer a simple brush test to collect cells for further analysis. In the event that the cells appear abnormal, Dr. Brown or Dr. Baran may recommend a biopsy to gather more information for a definitive diagnosis.

TMJ Disorder Treatment

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) serves as the crucial hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, enabling the smooth opening and closing of your mouth. However, when the TMJ becomes damaged or misaligned, it can lead to a range of distressing symptoms, including Temporomandibular or TMJ disorder. 

TMJ disorder may include muscle pain in the surrounding areas, the occurrence of snapping or popping sounds when you open your mouth, chronic headaches, and difficulties in both eating and speaking. To treat TMJ disorder, we may recommend physical therapy exercises or the nightly use of a mouth guard.

Teeth Cleanings

Regular teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. While brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is important, attending routine cleaning and examination appointments every six months is also vital to maintaining your dental health. These visits typically last about 45 minutes. 

During your exam, one of our hygienists will clean your teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and stains that cannot be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing. Our dentists will also conduct a visual assessment of your mouth to look for symptoms of periodontal disease, decay, or any other potential issues, ensuring your smile stays bright and healthy.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have detrimental effects on your overall health and well-being. Patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the most common kind, have difficulty breathing during sleep because collapsing throat tissue blocks their airways. This can cause you to repeatedly wake up throughout the night, causing drowsiness, irritability, and fatigue. At worst, obstructive sleep apnea can be life-threatening. 

To treat this condition, Dr. Brown and Dr. Baran offer sleep apnea treatment, an oral appliance therapy, to help you get a restful night’s sleep. During treatment, patients wear a custom device that repositions the jaw and tongue so that air can flow properly. Through the use of oral appliances, they help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Single Tooth Extractions

In cases where a tooth cannot be saved, such as severely damaged, decayed, or infected teeth, Dr. Brown and Dr. Baran perform single-tooth extractions with precision and care to preserve your oral health. In other cases, healthy teeth may be extracted for orthodontic purposes. If your tooth needs to be removed, Dr. Brown or Dr. Baran can perform the tooth extraction procedure using gentle techniques and local anesthesia to minimize discomfort and promote optimal healing. 

After extracting the tooth, we recommend that you avoid using straws to ensure that a blood clot can properly form over your gums. To replace the missing tooth, we may recommend the placement of a dental implant and restoration.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

When a tooth requires restoration due to decay or damage, Dr. Brown and Dr. Baran offer tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made of composite resin that matches the color of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result while still providing excellent durability and strength. These fillings can be used to treat cavities, fractures, and chips, restoring the health and appearance of your smile. 

The dental filling process involves the removal of the decayed portion of the tooth, and placement of composite resin material to replace the lost tooth structure. Once the resin has been applied, we’ll use a special light to harden the resin. We then refine the shape of the material to maintain your proper bite alignment.