Family dentist in Wilmington, NC
One dentist for every age in your household
Thrive Family Dental treats kids, teens, adults, and seniors in Wilmington. Dr. Ben Friberg built the office for people who dread the dentist. Our team books families back to back and sees new patients without insurance for $169.
Written by Thrive Family Dental. Medically reviewed by Dr. Ben Friberg, DDS, Dentist and Owner. Last updated October 1, 2026.
What does a family dentist do?
A family dentist provides general dental care for patients of all ages, so one office handles your toddler’s first exam, your teen’s mouthguard, your own crown, and your parents’ gum care. Here that means preventive visits, fillings, crowns, emergency care, and cosmetic treatment under one roof, with one team that knows your whole family’s history.
Dental care for every age
Kids (first tooth to age 12)
We see children by their first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Early visits are short and low-pressure: a ride in the chair, a count of the teeth, and a chance to meet MEADOW. As kids grow, we add fluoride, sealants on new molars, and cavity checks at every cleaning.
Teens
Teen visits focus on cavity prevention during the snack-heavy years, custom sports mouthguards, wisdom tooth monitoring, and straightening with Invisalign when the bite calls for it.
Adults
Adults get cleanings and exams every six months, fillings and crowns when needed, and screening for gum disease and oral cancer at every visit. Cosmetic options are available at the same checkup.
Seniors
Older adults face dry mouth from medications, receding gums, worn teeth, and missing teeth. We manage gum disease, repair wear, and replace missing teeth with implants or dentures.
Services your family can get in one place
- Cleanings and exams
- Preventive dentistry: fluoride, sealants, and digital x-rays
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Crowns and restorative care
- Same-day emergency care when the schedule allows
- Custom mouthguards for sports and grinding
- Invisalign for teens and adults
- Teeth whitening
See the full list on our services page.
What happens at your family’s first visit
Plan on about an hour per person for a first visit, less for kids.
1. A welcome by name
Our patient concierge greets you, checks your paperwork (finish it online ahead of time on our new patients page), and introduces nervous family members to MEADOW.
2. Digital x-rays and a full exam
Dr. Friberg checks teeth, gums, bite, and jaw for each family member and screens adults for oral cancer. X-rays are digital, so they use less radiation and show up on screen while you watch.
3. A gentle cleaning
Our hygienists, Tracy and Debra, remove plaque and tartar, polish, and show kids how to brush the spots they miss.
4. Clear next steps
You hear what we found, what needs attention now, what can wait, and what each option costs in writing. No pressure to decide in the chair.
Built for families who dread the dentist
Dr. Friberg opened Thrive Family Dental for patients who put off care because of fear. Every visit includes free comfort options:
- Weighted eye masks and blankets
- Noise-canceling headphones and Netflix
- Spacious rooms with no one hovering
- Deep-pressure therapy from MEADOW, our Rehabilitative Facility Dog, who has completed 300+ training hours
Six months or six years since your last visit, nobody here will lecture you. Neighbors voted us a 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and 800+ patients have left five-star reviews. Read what to expect at an anxiety-friendly dentist.
No judgment. No pressure.
Just care rooted in love, dignity, and respect.
What family dental care costs in Wilmington
Pricing for a family works four ways:
- With dental insurance: we’re in-network with plans including Cigna DPPO, Humana PPO, MetLife PDP Plus, and more, and we file claims for out-of-network plans too. We verify every family member’s benefits before the visit. Check your coverage.
- New patients without insurance: the $169 new patient special covers a complete exam, full x-rays, and a professional cleaning.
- Thrive Health Club membership: cleanings, exams, and x-rays for one flat fee, plus up to 10% off other treatment. Child plans start at $28 a month and adult plans at $45 a month, with family discounts when you enroll the household. See the membership plan.
- Larger treatment: monthly financing through four partners. See payment options.
800+ 5-Star ReviewsWhy Wilmington families choose Thrive
- Back-to-back family appointments so everyone finishes in one trip.
- One dentist who knows your history. Dr. Friberg sees every member of the family himself.
- Written costs before treatment starts. You see the estimate, then decide.
- Se habla español. Our team serves Spanish-speaking families at every step.
¿Atienden a toda la familia en español?
Sí, para toda la familia. Llama a Thrive Family Dental al (910) 240-4797: limpiezas, revisiones, empastes y emergencias para niños y adultos, con citas seguidas para toda la familia.
Family dentistry FAQs
Are you accepting new patients and families?
Yes. Call (910) 240-4797 or book online, tell us how many family members are coming, and we’ll book back-to-back appointments so you make one trip.
How early should my child see a dentist?
By their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth, whichever comes first. Early visits catch problems before they hurt and teach kids that the dentist is a normal, calm place.
Do you see children, or do I need a pediatric dentist?
We see children from their first tooth. Only complex cases need a pediatric specialist, and we’ll refer you if that happens.
How can I help my child feel comfortable at the first visit?
Keep it positive, read a picture book about the dentist, and skip words like “shot” or “hurt.” Mention MEADOW. Most kids walk in curious once they know there’s a dog.
Do you handle children's dental emergencies?
Yes. For a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a chipped tooth, call (910) 240-4797 and we’ll fit your child in as soon as the schedule allows. Our emergency dentistry page lists what to do in the meantime.
How often should my family visit the dentist?
Every six months for cleanings and exams. Patients with gum disease or a high cavity rate may need visits every three to four months.
Do you offer preventive treatments for kids?
Yes: fluoride varnish, sealants on permanent molars, gentle cleanings, and custom mouthguards for sports.
Do you take my insurance?
We’re in-network with several PPO plans and file claims for out-of-network plans. Send your plan details through our insurance page and we’ll verify coverage before your visit.
Can I see a family dentist without insurance?
Yes. New patients pay $169 for an exam, x-rays, and cleaning, and the Thrive Health Club membership covers preventive care for a flat monthly fee with family discounts. See the plan tiers.
¿Atienden niños en español?
Sí. Llame al (910) 240-4797. Nuestro equipo atiende a niños y adultos en español y le explica cada tratamiento y su costo.
Book your family’s first visit in Wilmington
One call books everyone. Tell us who’s coming and we’ll take it from there.
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
Voted a favorite
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
Visit Our Studio
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
Get Directions
Monday–Thursday: 8am–4pm
Friday: By Appointment
