Wilmington Preventive Dentist
Gentle care that protects your smile
At Thrive Family Dental, Dr. Ben Friberg, DDS, and our team provide gentle preventive care for the whole family, with a focus on patients who feel anxious about the dentist.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ben Friberg, DDS, Academy of General Dentistry.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Why does routine dental care matter?
The easiest way to avoid dental problems
If going to the dentist makes you anxious, putting off routine care only makes things harder down the road. As your Wilmington preventive dentist, we specialize in treating people with dental anxiety, and we’ll help you stay ahead of problems with stress-free care in a state-of-the-art office designed for comfort.
According to the CDC, nearly half of adults aged 30 and older have some form of gum disease, much of which is preventable with regular checkups.
Preventive care without the stress
Routine cleanings and exams should feel easy. Every detail is designed to help you feel calm, comfortable, and supported while we protect your smile.
- Weighted eye masks and blankets
- Noise-canceling headphones and Netflix
- Spacious, calming treatment rooms
- Support from MEADOW, our on-site rehabilitative facility dog
No judgment. No pressure.
Just gentle preventive care rooted in dignity and respect.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Visit us every 6 months
For most people, a cleaning and exam every six months is enough to catch small issues early and avoid cavities, pain, and expensive work later. Dr. Friberg will tell you if your smile needs a different schedule.
800+ 5-Star ReviewsA better way to get the preventive dentistry you need
At Thrive Family Dental, Dr. Friberg and our friendly team deliver high-quality preventive care in Wilmington using advanced technology and a compassionate approach. Every visit is designed to catch problems early and help you feel good about visiting the dentist.
Preventive Dental Treatments
Cleanings & Exams
Stay on top of your oral health with routine checkups and gentle cleanings. These visits help prevent problems before they start and give us a chance to catch small issues early.
Mouthguards
Protect your smile from damage caused by teeth grinding or impact. Our custom-fit nightguards and sports mouthguards are comfortable, durable, and made just for you.
Family Dentistry
We care for smiles at every age with a gentle, judgment-free approach. From a child’s first visit to regular family checkups, we make dental care simple and stress-free.
Fillings
Cavities happen even when you’re doing your best. We use high-quality, tooth-colored fillings to stop decay in its tracks and protect your smile without any pressure or judgment.
Gum Disease Treatment
We catch early signs of gum disease and provide expert care to stop it from progressing, so your smile stays strong and your breath stays fresh.
Sleep Apnea
Wake up feeling rested and breathe easier at night. We offer comfortable, custom oral appliances to help you get the quality sleep your body needs.
What should I expect at my first preventive visit?
At your first visit, we review your health history, take digital x-rays, clean your teeth, and Dr. Friberg examines your mouth and talks through anything he finds. New patients without insurance can start with our $169 special, which includes a gentle cleaning, an exam with Dr. Friberg, and digital x-rays.
How much does preventive dentistry cost in Wilmington?
New patients without insurance can begin with our $169 new patient special (cleaning, exam, and digital x-rays). If you have insurance, we file claims on your behalf and are in-network with several plans. For larger treatment, we offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, and Proceed Financial, plus an in-house membership plan.
Preventive dentistry questions, answered
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Most people do well with a cleaning and exam every six months, though Dr. Friberg may recommend a different interval based on your gum health.
What happens at a cleaning and exam?
A dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing misses, and the exam lets us check for cavities, gum problems, and other issues early. These routine visits are the foundation of preventive care and the easiest way to keep your smile healthy.
Do you make custom mouthguards?
Yes. We make custom-fit nightguards to protect against teeth grinding and sports mouthguards to protect against impact. Both are more comfortable and durable than store-bought versions because they’re molded to your teeth.
Do you see children and families?
Yes. We care for smiles at every age with a gentle, judgment-free approach, from a child’s first visit through regular family checkups, making dental care simple and stress-free for everyone in the household.
What kind of fillings do you use?
We use tooth-colored composite fillings that stop decay and blend in naturally, with no metal and no judgment. They restore the tooth while keeping your smile looking like you.
How do you treat gum disease?
We catch early signs of gum disease and provide targeted treatment to stop it from progressing, protecting the bone and tissue that support your teeth. Caught early, gum disease is very manageable, which is why regular checkups matter.
Is the $169 new patient special right for me?
If you don’t have insurance, it’s a simple way to start: it covers a gentle cleaning, an exam with Dr. Friberg, and digital x-rays. If you need a deep cleaning, we credit part of the fee toward that treatment.
Do you treat patients with dental anxiety?
Yes. We specialize in anxiety-friendly care, with comfort options and MEADOW, our on-site therapy dog trained in deep-pressure therapy.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that pull away from the teeth. If you notice these, book a visit, early gum disease is very treatable.
Do you see kids?
Yes. We welcome children and families and keep first visits gentle and pressure-free.
How do I book a checkup?
Call (910) 240-4797 or book online.
You matter.
Excellence matters.
Stress-free dental care doesn’t happen by accident. Your experience is built on expertise, precision, and a commitment to getting every detail right. With advanced technology, skilled hands, and a team that never cuts corners, we make every visit worth your time.
#1
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Wilmington dentist.
1000s
Smiles transformed with award-winning care.
300+
Training hours completed by our Rehabilitative Facility Dog.
Your smile deserves a spot on our calendar. We can’t wait
to see you.
Feel at Home
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Do you suffer from dental anxiety? Your smile is safe here. Thrive Family Dental is a calm space with kind people. No rush and no pressure. Enjoy complimentary comfort add-ons proven to reduce fear and put you at ease.
Se habla Español. ¿Prefieres español? Llámanos al (910) 240-4797 y con gusto te atendemos.
8115 Market St.
Suite 204
Wilmington, NC 28411
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Monday–Thursday: 8am–4pm
Friday: By Appointment
