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Family Dentistry

Bring Everyone To One Office

Smiling male dentist in white coat with crossed arms standing in modern dental office reception area.

Keep Your Loved Ones Smiling With a Family Dentist in Wilmington

Your family's smiles mean the world to you. It's crucial to find the right dental partner who understands their unique need. As your family dentist in Wilmington, Dr. Shumate and our entire team will protect your favorite smiles. By partnering with us at Porters Neck Dentistry, you will:

  • Experience the benefits of personalized attention for your dental needs
  • Gain a trusted oral health advisor who knows your dental histories
  • Prevent dental issues from harming your family's smiles
  • Improve your smile's appearance with our range of cosmetic options
  • Look forward to positive and educational visits for children and parents alike

No insurance? Join our Membership Club for savings on your dental treatments. Ask about our new patient specials, too, like our $149 cleaning and exam (a $318 savings!).

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Support Healthy Smiles from Childhood to Adulthood

Instilling good oral health habits at an early age creates a foundation for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. We welcome children as young as 2 years old at our practice. Our treatment options include:

  • A happy, positive first appointment to help your little one feel comfortable
  • Traditional checkups, including gentle cleanings and exams, as your child becomes comfortable with our team
  • Early monitoring of your child's alignment and preventive orthodontics, like space maintainers, if they lose a tooth too soon
  • Dentofacial orthopedics, if needed, to encourage proper jaw development
  • Restorative treatments, like fillings, to treat cavities

Our team creates a positive experience through our comforting, caring environment. We explain each step of the visit to both you and your child. Your dentist will manage your expectations and help you avoid any surprises about costs or care.

Stay Consistent With One Trusted Dental Home

Patients of all ages will benefit from our comprehensive care options. You will find a range of dental treatments for your unique smile goals.

Since visiting the dentist can be stressful, you'll appreciate our calming environment. We have amenities like weighted blankets and headphones. If you have significant anxiety, we offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) or intravenous (IV) sedation to help you relax during your treatment. Your dentist will help you determine the right level of sedation.

You'll benefit from:

  • General Dentistry - From routine cleanings to gum disease treatment, our general dentistry services keep your smile healthy and bright.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry - Enhance your smile's appearance with cosmetic options from teeth whitening to veneers. We can even give you a complete smile makeover.
  • Dental Implants - Replace missing teeth with implants that function like artificial tooth roots. You'll improve your bite function and jawbone health.
  • Restorative Dentistry - Repair and restore damaged teeth with treatments such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures. You'll gain back a healthy smile.
  • Orthodontics - Achieve straighter teeth and improved alignment with Invisalign®, a discreet alternative to braces. Preventive orthodontics are also available to encourage proper development of your children's teeth.
  • Oral Surgery - From tooth extractions to cosmetic gum surgery, our oral surgery services will ensure your smile is in the best possible condition.

Make us your family dentist in Wilmington and enjoy quality care at every stage of life.

5 out of 5 stars - 682 votes

5 Stars (682 Reviews)

Read Why Patients Love Us

Patients appreciate the special care they receive from our team. Check out what they have to say!

5

I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to...
I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to their office for nearly 10 years. If there are ever any issues, they work well to resolve whatever needs attention,

5

The team at Porters Neck Dentistry is always amazing. They are professional, friendly, courteous and always find a way to address any urgent Dental needs I have had. The care my family gets is superb and I would highly highly recommend them.

5

Dr Shumate recently capped 2 of my front teeth. He did a beautiful job with them and went over and above what others dentists have done. I am so very happy with them!! His staff is kind and warm and caring. My husband and I have been going to him for several years and we highly recommend him.

5

Dr. Lauren is an excellent addition to Porter’s Neck Dentistry. I had a very nervous teen getting her first cavity filled. Dr. Lauren took time to answer every one of her questions seriously and reassuringly. She worked quick! My daughter left smiling and feeling confident!

5

This office was wonderful. Staff was friendly and patient with a very nervous daughter. They took the time to explain every procedure and the treatment plan for the future. Dr. Shumate made my daughter feel at ease with his engaging manner. Thank you!

5

Very nice staff. Could not work on my son due to age and was able to refer to another office and was very helpful in doing so. I am horrified of dentist however I will be making an appointment here for myself.

5

My experience here was excellent. They really care about people. They take your oral hygiene and health seriously. The doctor started my care right away to get the ball rolling with my dental issue. He is very professional and friendly. You can tell he is a person that really cares about his...
My experience here was excellent. They really care about people. They take your oral hygiene and health seriously. The doctor started my care right away to get the ball rolling with my dental issue. He is very professional and friendly. You can tell he is a person that really cares about his patients and that goes a long way. I would recommend family friends and anyone that's looking for a good experience with dental care.

5

If you’re looking for a dentist, this is the place to go! I waited years to get much needed work done because of allergic reactions at a prior dentist. I also had HIGH anxiety. The entire office is very caring, patient and managed my treatment unconventionally, to consider my allergies and...
If you’re looking for a dentist, this is the place to go! I waited years to get much needed work done because of allergic reactions at a prior dentist. I also had HIGH anxiety. The entire office is very caring, patient and managed my treatment unconventionally, to consider my allergies and anxiety. This is the ONLY dentist I’ll go to.

Patient Resources

Commonly Asked Questions About Family Dentisry

What is family dentistry?
Family dentistry means dental care designed for everyone in your family. We provide a wide range of dental services for people of all ages. We welcome children starting at age 2, and you can schedule appointments for multiple family members together. This helps you save time and avoid hassle. Our goal is to make it simple for your family to maintain healthy, happy smiles.
What should I look for in a family dentist?
One important thing to consider when choosing a family dentist is whether they treat people of all ages and address a wide range of dental problems. When your dentist has the expertise needed, you can relax knowing your family's dental health is well taken care of.
Why should I go to a family dentist?

Visiting a family dentist is a great way to keep your kids' teeth healthy while simplifying your dental routine. Having all your family's dental records in one spot makes it simple to transfer them if you relocate. It also means you can schedule multiple appointments quickly with just one call.