Pender County · Since 1987
Dental Cleanings in Surf City, NC
A cleaning removes what brushing cannot reach and gives us a look at everything before it becomes expensive. It is the cheapest appointment in dentistry and the one that prevents the rest.
- Three doctors, one location
- Sedation available
- Most major plans accepted
- Written estimates before treatment
The basics of cleanings
Our new patient exam is more thorough than a standard recall. It includes an oral cancer screening, a periodontal charting, a tooth-by-tooth assessment, a TMJ and bite evaluation, and an aesthetic consultation if you want one.
Surf City patients and this treatment
Six in ten homes on this stretch of Topsail Island are seasonal, but the year-round population has grown quickly since the new bridge opened.
Hospitality and service work through the summer means long shifts, irregular eating and a lot of coffee. Booking hygiene visits in the shoulder months keeps the interval honest.
Six in ten homes here are seasonal, and the year-round community is small but growing quickly.
Surf City patients generally choose us over closer options because sedation, oral surgery and restorative work happen in the same building.
The high-rise bridge that replaced the old swing bridge in 2018 changed the drive off Topsail Island considerably.
We see patients from across Surf City and the surrounding area, including the Topsail Island high-rise bridge, Surf City Ocean Pier, Soundside Park and the 28445 and 28443 ZIP codes.
Pender County is the second fastest-growing county in the state and it has the highest share of under-18s in the region at over 22 percent. Family scheduling and preventive care carry more weight here than anywhere else we serve.
Booking hygiene visits in the shoulder months keeps the interval honest, because summer is when it always slips.
Fifty minutes down US-17 buys you a practice with three doctors, sedation and oral surgery under one roof instead of three referrals.
You may be a candidate if
- It has been six months, or six years, since your last visit
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath
- Tartar you can see or feel behind the lower front teeth
- A new move to the area and no dentist yet
Your treatment, start to finish
- Health history and x-raysWe need to know what is going on below the gum before we touch anything above it.
- Periodontal chartingSix measurements per tooth. This is how gum disease gets caught early.
- CleaningScaling and polishing, with ultrasonic instruments where they help.
- Doctor examDecay check, oral cancer screening, bite and joint assessment.
- Plan and scheduleAnything that needs attention gets explained and scheduled before you leave.
Afterwards
Gums may be tender for a day if there was a lot of buildup. Brush twice, floss once, and come back on the interval we recommend rather than the one your calendar prefers. Some patients need three or four month intervals, and that is a clinical call.
If you are away for part of the year, tell us your dates at the start and we will build the schedule around them.
What it costs
Preventive visits are covered at or near 100 percent by most dental plans, usually twice a year with no deductible. If you have no coverage, this is still the least expensive way to avoid the treatments that are not cheap.
If your income is seasonal, say so at the consultation. We can time treatment phases to the part of the year that suits your cash flow.
In their own words
Hear from Dr. Josh Winneberger
Dr. Winneberger on getting you numb without you noticing, and helping nervous patients get comfortable in the chair.
Questions we get asked
How often should I get a cleaning?
Twice a year for most people. Patients with a history of gum disease do better at three or four month intervals, and we will tell you which group you are in.
It has been years. Will you lecture me?
No. We see it constantly and it is not interesting to us. We will look at where you are and build a plan forward.
How far is your office from Surf City?
About 33 miles, or roughly 50 minutes via NC-210 off Topsail Island to US-17 South. We are at 1301 Physicians Dr in Wilmington, with parking at the door.
Do you see patients from Surf City?
Regularly. Surf City is part of our core service area in Pender County, and fifty minutes down US-17 buys you a practice with three doctors, sedation and oral surgery under one roof instead of three referrals.
What are your hours?
Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm. Outside those hours, leave a message or use the appointment request form and we will come back to you with the first available time.
Dental Cleanings · Surf City, NC
One trip. Everybody seen.
We block consecutive appointments so a family visit is one morning rather than three separate afternoons.
- General, cosmetic, orthodontic and surgical care under one roof
- Consecutive family scheduling on request
- Sealants and preventive care for children
- Most major dental plans accepted
Nervous child? Tell us before the appointment and we will slow the whole thing down.
Request an appointment
We reply the next business day.
Please do not include Protected Health Information. For anything urgent, call (910) 762-0958.
