Wilmington:
302-999-7600
Southern Dental:
302-536-7589

A General Dentist Can Help Maintain Your Health

Root Canal Therapy

If the innermost nerves and blood vessels of the tooth, known as the pulp, become infected due to damage or decay, Dr. Paul E. Brown or Dr. Christopher S. Baran can perform root canal therapy. During this procedure, we will create a small hole on the surface of the affected tooth, remove the pulp, disinfect the inside of the tooth, and fill it with a synthetic dental composite, before closing the hole and sealing it. We may also place a dental crown to protect it from further damage.

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Family Dentistry

Good oral health is important for patients of all ages. From a child’s first cleaning to restorative care for seniors, we provide a full range of dental care 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.

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Oral Cancer Screening

Our team performs oral cancer screenings at your regular cleaning appointments. One of our dentists or hygienists will conduct a visual exam of your teeth and gums to look for spots, sores, lumps, or rough areas. If any potential signs of oral cancer are identified during your screening, we can conduct a simple brush test to collect cells for analysis. If your cells appear abnormal, Dr. Brown or Dr. Baran may recommend a biopsy.

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TMJ Disorder Treatment

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to properly open and close your mouth. If the TMJ is damaged or misaligned, it can result in muscle pain in surrounding areas, snapping or popping sounds when you open your mouth, chronic headaches, and difficulty eating or speaking. To treat TMJ disorder, we may recommend physical therapy exercises or nightly use of a mouth guard.

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Teeth Cleanings

While brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are 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 accumulated plaque and tartar. Our dentists will also conduct a visual assessment of your mouth to look for symptoms of periodontal disease, decay, or any other potential issues.

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Sleep Apnea Treatment

Patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea 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, we offer oral appliance therapy. During treatment, patients wear a custom device that repositions the jaw and tongue so that air can flow properly.

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Single Tooth Extractions

Severely damaged, decayed, or infected teeth may need to be extracted 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. After extracting the tooth, we recommend that you avoid using straws or sucking on liquids to ensure that a blood clot can properly form over your gums. To replace the missing tooth, we may recommend placement of a dental implant and restoration.

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Tooth-Colored Fillings

At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, we use tooth-colored composite fillings, which maintain a natural look, while still providing excellent durability and strength. These fillings can be used to treat cavities, fractures, and chips. 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, it is hardened with a special light. We then refine the shape of the material to maintain your proper bite alignment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I maintain my smile’s health?

To maintain good oral hygiene, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste when brushing your teeth at least twice a day. It’s also recommended you floss daily and rinse with mouthwash in between meals. Be sure to schedule routine professional dental cleanings at least twice a year with your dentist to maintain the health and gums of your teeth.

Why do my gums bleed while brushing my teeth?

If your gums bleed when you brush, it may be an early sign of gum disease. Gums tend to bleed due to a build-up of plaque and inadequate brushing, which lead to further symptoms if not immediately treated by a dentist. By receiving periodontal care early and also practicing an oral hygiene regimen at home, you’ll be able to keep your smile healthy.

What will dental X-rays be able to show my dentist?

Dental X-rays provide detailed scans of your teeth, gums, and jaw. It’s a diagnostic tool used to show certain issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. This can include tooth decay, impacted teeth, cavities, and bone loss. Best of all, these digital scans give off a low level of radiation to capture images of your mouth compared to traditional technology.

Does dental insurance cover general dentistry?

Yes! Most dental insurance companies either fully or partially cover the cost of general dentistry services. However, it’s still recommended you contact your provider to get a more accurate understanding of your benefits. Be sure to also ask your dentist if their practice offers any financing options to help with out-of-pocket costs for your dental treatment.

Your One-Stop Office for All Your Dental Needs

Visiting the dentist regularly is essential for your smile. At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, our dentists offer various general dentistry treatments to keep you and your family’s smiles healthy for years to come. For more information about options, contact either our Wilmington, MI office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford, MI office at (302) 536-7589. You can also fill out our convenient contact form. We look forward to caring for your smile!

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