I had a very frustrating experience with Cape Fear Smiles and would not recommend them based on how…read moremy billing issue was handled. I went in under the understanding that my visit would be covered by insurance, but later received a $170 bill for additional services that were not clearly explained or authorized beforehand. I even asked if anything was owed upon completion of the initial appointment I reached out multiple times to dispute the charge and asked for documentation showing that these added services and costs were disclosed to me in advance. Instead of receiving a meaningful response, the account was sent to collections and I continued getting payment demands. My issue is not simply that insurance did not cover something. My issue is that I was charged for services I do not believe were clearly explained to me before they were performed. The lack of communication and willingness to resolve the dispute has been extremely disappointing. Patients should be told upfront what services may result in additional charges before those services are performed. Based on my experience, I would be very cautious about billing here and would ask for everything in writing before agreeing to any treatment.

I was chared $318 for an airway consultation. There was no x-ray, no camera up the nose to look…read moremore indepthly at the problem, it was basically "We really cant' help you, let me refer you to these other doctors that may be able to help you". If the $318 would have been applied towards a therapy session or some additional benefit I could see perhaps justifily the prepaid amount. Other than that, the staff and doctor are both very kind and delightful. Seems like a great group of people but I feel the prepaid consult fee was a waste of money.

As stated in a previous review, these folks have (gradually) taken the fear of "the chair" from me…read more I will NOT say that I look forward to going to the dentist, but at least my heart rate is within normal limits when I do. Myra (the hygenist that I see) is incredibly thorough yet has a soft touch that does help me relax (somewhat) under her ministrations and Dr. Winneberger (I wonder if he ever did win a burger?) is one of the best dentists I have ever had. The entire staff here are welcoming and friendly; I cannot recommend them strongly enough...especially for those who have seen the movie "Marathon Man."

Love my dentist! I look forward to my visits. Staff are friendly and thorough…read more I get my teeth cleaned about 3-4 times a year to keep my teeth healthy.

Dr. Bush is excellent. His staff is courteous and professional. Sheryl and Jennifer explained…read moreeverything to me. Terri even helped me into the office, as I have 2 broken ankles and a dislocated shoulder. They were all so accommodating and kind! Thank you! Paula Peterson,BSN (registered Nurse)

I have been their patient for over 20 years. I mainly see Dr. Brent Bush. I would highly recommend…read morethis practice. They really care. I have had dental trauma and dentist trauma when I was younger. Dr. Bush and his wonderful staff are awesome. From the first time I met them, I felt comfortable, listened to and truly cared for. Dr. Bush is excellent for "thinking outside the box". I have unique oral issues. Nothing is too odd or unique for him to help. I would highly recommend this practice.

I have been a patient for over a year now. By far the best dental care that I have ever had. When I…read morelost a second insurance provider I had to come out of pocket for a part of my fees, that I later got reimbursed. I have recovered my secondary insurance and now I am gilt free receiving all the dental cleanings allowed. Great people too.

The best quality of care and service. Every thing I look for. Calm, serene atmosphere from a…read morethoughtful team. Great staff and Dentist!

I wrote a review a long time ago. Since then, I began having extreme tooth sensitivity like never…read morebefore. I hate to admit it because I have always been a "clean cut" kind of gal, but I fell into a deep depression three years ago. I started taking all sorts of antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, weight loss drugs - all on top of years of heavy coffee and sugary drinks. It wasn't until I fell into the deep hole of disposable vapes that doing things like eating popcorn suddenly became excruciatingly painful. Sometimes I would eat an almond and it would feel like there was lightning going all of the way down to the roots of my molars. I am pretty tough, but even after being numbed over multiple times, I could still feel it when dental work was being done. Throughout all of this, Dr. Bland remained patient and continued to check in with me. He could tell if I made a small movement that indicated my discomfort and would see if I needed a break or more numbing relief. Thankfully, I am no longer having any of the sensitivity since I stopped consuming large sums of coffee, sugar, and most especially since I stopped vaping. I love everyone who works with him. The fact that he has people who have been by his side for close to a decade or more really says something about who he is as a person. I have been moving around my whole life and have been to many others. He is genuinely the best I have visited. The office is immaculate, beautifully designed and simply top notch. Plus there is a spa on the second floor that gives great massages. I never thought I would think of a place like this as a little oasis, but I certainly do now.

After several thousand dollars, I have dentures that are uncomfortable , don't fit, and unable to…read moreeat with! Would not go through this again, could have just had my teeth pulled and would have been where I am today! Last fitting, was told they could do nothing else for me! I do not recommend!

Independence Dental is awesome. They are incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable…read more I have an awful gag reflex and they work with me. They also do a great job cleaning my teeth and do a thorough evaluation. If you need a dentist, go to them.

I love my dentist's office so much!! They take such good care of my teeth. When I was younger, I…read morewas afraid to go to the dentist and this office has completely changed my view. Everyone is kind, amazing and thorough. Dr. Milley, Amanda, Kristen, April and Conner( I think?) are all so wonderful! I am sure I'm forgetting some names but anyone that I interact with, I always leave with a smile. And they have coffee woohoo! It's always a pleasant and easy going experience. 12,000/10

If you need dental work then this is a great place to go. Mr. Edgerton is a nice guy and Taylor…read moreGlenn is beautiful inside and out. Their staff meets every morning and they create a game plan. Great idea! All of the staff are friendly and attentative. Kudos!

Edgerton and Glenn are FABULOUS!!!! The staff is SUPER friendly and attentive. My mother, C…read more Hunley, is disabled and paralyzed. The staff at Edgerton and Glenn were so considerate, thoughtful, and caring- You feel like family when you are in their care. Taylor Glenn came in, examined my mother, and explained everything we needed to address. She presented us with our best options. Even though Edgerton and Glenn said they were not able to help my mother personally, Doctor Glenn promised to reach out to some fellow colleagues so together we could get the best care for my mother. I am currently waiting to hear something back and looking forward to my mother being able to take care of her dental issues. Thank you Taylor Glenn and staff for all your time and effort to make sure my mother is going to be healthy. Thank you for helping me make sure she has some teeth so she doesn't choke and die while she is trying to eat.

This was my first visit to Southeast Smiles. I have gone to several dentist in Wilmington, but was…read morereferred to this office by a very dear friend after she also started getting care at this office and was very pleased. From reception, to the technician I interacted with, everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming. I also appreciated that I was seen close to the scheduled time and never felt rushed. Once the technician brought me back, I went through a quick X-ray and was led into the exam room. The room was clean, organized and comfortable. Again, within minutes, the dental hygienist arrived and started her routine. I'm very particular about following up with dental care and exams. I floss and brush frequently, and take pride in my teeth. Nevertheless, this dental hygienist took her time, and was extremely detailed in checking the health of my teeth, and even better, she was meticulous with a very detailed cleaning! I can say that in all my years, she is most definitely the best Dental Hygienist I've ever had! Great job! Next, I was welcomed to the practice by a super down to earth and friendly dentist: Dr. Panchal. We went over any concerns and and oral history, and, of course, he studied all of the X-rays taken. He proceed with the oral exam. Dr. Panchal patiently explained his findings and discussed his recommendation, treatment plan, and timeline. I'm pleased to say that my first visit was above average! From professionalism, welcoming and very clean environment, detailed staff, everything was perfect! Dr. Panchal has a great personality and I can see how he sets a wonderful standard which staff fallows. His wit, and lack of pretense were great, and even better: his knowledge, his ability to put the patient at ease, and his communication skills were wonderful! So, if like many, you're nervous about going to the dentist, I strongly recommend that you give office a chance. They are fantastic and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!!! Nice job, everybody! Wilma Alicea Visited 10/1/2025

They are the best, too bad my insurance dropped them. I'm having a hard time finding a dentist that…read morematches their cleanliness, professionalism, and kindness!!!

I have seen Dr R. Butler approximately 4 times since Florence, & he is amazing. His staff is also…read morevery compassionate and comforting. I T-totally recommend his office and services.

He really is as good as it gets! The best dentist I've ever been to, and I have been to over 20…read moredentist, not including the dentist I've taken my children to. He is amazing. There aren't any dentist left with the bedside demeanor like his. All of his staff were so kind and knowledgeable too. There was no judgment or condescending tones to deal with, even when he told me "no" to something, he was nice and he was professional without being detached. I didn't have to wait long for my consultation (about 2 weeks) and the office was clean and stylish. The whole staff pride themselves of giving patients the care they would want. I didn't think he could be so personable and have beautiful work too. I was wrong. The root canal and building up of my tooth with filling was absolutely beautiful. When he gave me a numbing shot, I didn't even feel it. He talked to me throughout the procedure and he made sure I was ok, and not in any pain. I cant wait to see my smile when he is done. I have only had two appointments, but I did have a root canal, and I don't usually, if ever, do reviews, but I want anyone who NEEDS a GOOD dentist, for you or your child, anyone tired of being talked down to or hurt at the dentist, anyone who deals with major anxiety when going to the dentist, I want them to know that there IS a dentist in Wilmington, NC that can help you and the experience will NOT be awful, it will actually be a good one. He helps people. His staff help him help people. He and his staff made me feel comfortable and I finally feel like there is a chance to have the work done that I need and make my smile beautiful again and be treated kindly while that happens. I would still be searching for a quality dentist if I hadn't found him and took a chance and I AM sooooo glad I did. He is, by far, the best dentist in this whole area.