Sedation Dentistry in Winston-Salem, NC

Offering All Forms of Dental Sedation

Dr. Nelson knows how stressful dental care can be and prioritizes a comfortable, painless experience. Like many people, Dr. Nelson has a lot of unpleasant memories of dental work as a child. From the age of 4 to 18, he experienced just about every dental procedure, from fillings to crowns and extractions.  

This personal experience has made Dr. Nelson passionate about sedation dentistry. It's one of the main reasons he became a dentist. Dr. Nelson loves promoting oral health with a high level of compassion, relieving patients' dental pain, and restoring healthy, beautiful smiles. 

And as one of the only general dentists in the Winston-Salem and Piedmont Triad areas with a moderate sedation license, Dr. Nelson is committed to stress-free care for even the most anxious patients. 

What Types of Dental Services Work with Dental Sedation?

• Dental examinations
• Dental cleanings
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Root canals
• Dental implants
• Extractions and bone grafts
• And many more!

Dental sedation ensures a comfortable visit with no unpleasant memories!

Nitrous Oxide – Often called laughing gas, this provides anxiety relief as you inhale a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through the nose during treatment. Most patients remark that they feel warm, cozy, and relaxed, but nitrous oxide does not "put you to sleep." Instead, you will be awake and with some memory of the appointment, which is also why patients recover quickly and can drive afterward. Therefore, nitrous oxide is best suited for mild procedures or patients with mild anxiety.

Oral Sedation – Before the procedure, we administer oral sedation through a prescribed anxiety-controlling medication (such as Valium or Xanax). Oral sedation is often unpredictable since differing tolerances to medications are common. Some patients will be very relaxed, while others will experience only slight anxiety relief. 

Moderate Sedation or IV Sedation – Dr. Nelson prefers this sedation method and is among a small group of general dentists in NC (1%) licensed to provide it.

Moderate sedation delivers medication quickly and effectively through a small IV. Unlike oral sedation, IV sedation can be dosed precisely to your anxiety needs and medication tolerances. This precision makes it safer and more predictable than oral sedation. In addition to the sedation medications, pain relievers, and antibiotics can be delivered to your body quickly and effectively through the IV.

You will also remember very little of the procedures performed during moderate sedation, which makes it an excellent choice for more anxious patients.

Extensive Sedation Training During His Residency Program – Dr. Nelson received formal and extensive sedation dentistry training during his residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. As a result, he is licensed in all forms of dental sedation. 

Up-to-Date Patient Monitoring Technology – Our dental team uses the latest patient monitoring equipment for your safety and comfort.

Extensive Preparation and Medical Supervision – Dr. Nelson conducts a thorough medical history to determine your appropriate sedation level. During your procedure, two additional office personnel with sedation training will monitor you while sedated. 

Unparalleled Sedation Dentistry Experience – Dr. Nelson has conducted several hundred dental sedations comfortably and safely.

Sedation Dentistry Costs and Dental Insurance Coverage

Sedation dentistry is often covered, at least in part, by insurance. However, each insurance policy differs, and your coverage depends on several factors. Our office will file and confer with your dental insurance to attain maximum benefits.

We may offer discounts to patients without dental insurance or those who prefer to pay in cash. We also provide financing plans that allow us to fit your dental care needs into your budget. Don't hesitate to call our dental office to discuss your payment options. 

Sedation Dentistry Fees*

Dental sedation costs range from $400 to $550+, depending on the complexity and treatment time required to address your dental needs.

• Simple Case (15 minutes of dental sedation): $400
• Moderate Case (1 hour of dental sedation): $475
• Complex Case (2 hours of dental sedation): $550+

They have changed my life. I am actually looking forward to my next cleaning.

"Wow! I am 53 years old and have dreaded the dentist my whole life until yesterday! I chose Benton and Nelson for sedation, but after meeting them at the consultation I felt comfortable to try without it. I walked in, and everyone was friendly and not just to me but to everyone! Dr. Nelson let me know I was in control and could stop at any moment by raising my hand. I didn't have sedation and also no pain, no discomfort, and no stress. They have changed my life. I am actually looking forward to my next cleaning. This after a lifetime of breaking out in a sweat, crying and missing appointments due to fear. Why did I wait so long to try a new dentist? If you are looking for a great dentist and staff who care, I urge you to make an appointment today! Your teeth will appreciate it!" – Pam C

Wonderful for my very anxious teenager

"Wonderful experience for my very anxious teenager. Dr. Nelson and the entire staff could not have been any better. Everyone was patient, kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. I'm one grateful mom!" – Leslie B

My daughter needed dental sedation for her fillings 

"My daughter has a deep-rooted fear of going to the dentist. We are so happy to have found Dr. Nelson! He and his staff are patient, supportive and caring. My daughter (she's a young adult) needed some fillings and opted to have sedation in order to minimize her anxiety and fear and the whole process was easy and painless. I am so grateful to Dr. Nelson for offering sedation dentistry because otherwise my daughter would likely not have gotten the cavities filled which would have led to even greater problems. If you are fearful or anxious about going to the dentist you MUST go see Dr. Nelson. You do not need to go the sedation route (and most patients probably don't but it's nice to know this is an option for those with extreme anxieties." – Linda A

*Fees are quoted from our office's fee schedule and are subject to change. Changes in fees are typically nominal (less than a 3% adjustment).

Schedule Your Stress Free Visit Today!

Contact us today at (336) 760-1277 to schedule a consultation and find out how sedation dentistry can make your next visit calm and comfortable. Don't let fear hold you back from achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Reach out to us and take the first step towards stress-free dental care!

Video of Dr. Nelson Discussing Dental Sedation