Sedation Dentistry in Winston-Salem, NC

Offering All Forms of Dental Sedation

Dr. Nelson knows dental care can be stressful and prioritizes a comfortable, painless experience. Like many people, Dr. Nelson has many unpleasant memories of dental work from childhood. From age 4 to 18, he experienced nearly 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. 

In addition to being one of the only general dentists to provide IV sedation, our office can also fabricate dental crowns during the same visit. This eliminates temporary crowns and the need for return visits for the final crowns. Our office uses a lab-grade milling machine and the highest-quality Katana brand zirconia crown material. 

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, it relieves anxiety as you inhale a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through your 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 stay awake and remember the appointment, which is 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 because medication tolerances vary. Some patients become very relaxed, while others 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. Most patients who need IV sedation are referred to an oral surgeon or specialist. At Blake Nelson DDS, you can receive sedation dentistry without leaving your general dentist, saving you time, referrals, and the stress of an unfamiliar office.

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 sedation medications, the IV can deliver pain relievers and antibiotics quickly and effectively. 

You will also remember very little of the procedure during moderate sedation, making 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 to keep you safe and comfortable.

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

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

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 with your dental insurance and coordinate with them to maximize your benefits.

We may offer discounts to patients without dental insurance or those who prefer to pay in cash. We also offer financing plans 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+

*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).

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 trying without it. I walked in, and everyone was friendly, not just to me, but to everyone! Dr. Nelson made sure I felt in control and that I could stop at any moment by raising my hand. I didn't have sedation, and I had 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 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

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

Q: What inspired your focus on sedation dentistry?

Dr. Nelson: I had extensive dental work as a child, and some experiences were uncomfortable. I understand dental anxiety firsthand, which motivates me to help patients feel more relaxed during treatment.

Q: What makes your IV sedation training different?

Dr. Nelson: After dental school, I completed a full-year residency that included IV sedation training. As a general dentist licensed to provide moderate IV sedation, I can perform restorative treatments, including fillings and crowns, while patients are sedated. This often allows us to complete multiple procedures in one visit.

Q: What's the difference between nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation?

Dr. Nelson: Each option offers a different level of relaxation:

• Nitrous oxide — Inhaled gas that helps ease anxiety. Patients typically remember treatment and can usually drive home afterward.
• Oral sedation — Medication that promotes relaxation. Patients may remember the procedure and need someone to drive them home.
• IV sedation — Medication delivered intravenously for a deeper level of relaxation. Patients often remember little or nothing, and we may complete three to four hours of dental work in one visit.

Q: Will I remember my dental procedure with IV sedation?

Dr. Nelson: Many patients worry about remembering treatment because they aren't completely asleep. Moderate IV sedation often produces limited or no memory of the procedure, although individual experiences vary. It also avoids the need for general anesthesia when appropriate.

Q: How do you keep patients safe during IV sedation?

Dr. Nelson: We have three team members present during IV sedation, including one dedicated to monitoring vital signs. We use hospital-grade monitoring equipment, maintain emergency medications and equipment, and regularly train for emergencies. We also review each patient's medical history and suitability for sedation beforehand.

Q: What would you tell someone who's avoided the dentist because of anxiety?

Dr. Nelson: You're not alone. We provide sedation dentistry regularly and help patients address multiple dental concerns in a comfortable, supportive environment. I encourage you to read our Google reviews and see what other patients share about their experiences. We're here to listen to your concerns and discuss your options.