Even if it has been 20, 30 or 40 years since you saw a dentist, we have helped people just like you. Dr. Blake Nelson is licensed in IV sedation, so you can have the work done with little to no memory of it.
the year this practice first opened its doors to Winston-Salem families.
Training, memberships and recognition
Our story, since 1978
Lacey, our front office manager, has been with the practice since 2013, Sherrie has been here for 19 years, and many of our patients have been coming for decades.
Sedation dentistry
Most patients who need IV sedation get referred to an oral surgeon. Dr. Nelson is among a small group of general dentists in North Carolina licensed to provide moderate sedation, so you can have it with your own dentist, in an office you already know.
Inside the office
Patients tell Dr. Nelson, “Doc, I’m sorry it took me so long.” Nobody here will shame you for the wait. This is what the visit is like instead.
From the age of 4 to 18, Dr. Nelson had just about every procedure there is, from fillings to crowns to extractions. It is why patient comfort comes first, and why numbing here uses the latest, most effective techniques.
Televisions are mounted above the treatment chairs, so you can sit back and watch your favourite show on YouTube TV while the work gets done.
Not a corporate chain. A private practice that takes time to get to know you, discusses every option thoroughly, and lets you choose the treatment that is right for you.
Meet your dentist
Born and raised just down the road in Hickory, an Eagle Scout and his high school’s salutatorian. Biomedical engineering at VCU, dental school at UNC Chapel Hill, then an Advanced General Dentistry residency in San Antonio, where he trained to administer sedation.
Hygienists, assistants and the front office. Lacey has been with the practice since 2013 and Sherrie for 19 years; Megan and Molly joined in 2021.
Dentistry in Winston-Salem, NC
Dental sedation, implants, root canals and extractions used to be referred out. Since Dr. Nelson’s residency training they are done here, by the same friendly faces you trust.
Twice-yearly cleanings and exams with an oral cancer screening and periodic x-rays, plus sealants and fluoride. Children are welcome, from age two.
Dr. Nelson received the Dental Implant Award at UNC and places implants here, so a missing tooth does not mean a referral and a second office.
Whitening, bonding, porcelain veneers and tooth-colored crowns. Crowns are made by a Winston-Salem dental lab rather than milled in the office.
Root canals, extractions and wisdom teeth, done here instead of referred out, and with sedation if you want it. TMJ pain gets looked at properly too.
Implants & technology
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth and is held in place by bone, so it is comfortable and immovable. Dr. Nelson trained extensively on implants in residency, including implants that let a denture snap firmly in place.
New patients & emergencies
We will see emergencies even if you are not a patient of record, same day if the schedule allows, and time is kept on Saturdays and Sundays for urgent cases. Our goal is to find the cause, get you out of pain and give you the options to fix it for good.
Insurance & payment
We accept and file all dental insurance except Medicaid, and we publish most of our fees. No surprises, and no pressure.
We are not in-network with any insurer, but we file every policy (except Medicaid) and fight on your behalf for your maximum benefit. Plans we frequently file include:
Financing lets you fit treatment into your budget, and balances can be paid online through a link in an email or text.
Our in-office membership plan covers all preventive care: cleanings, exams, fluoride and x-rays, paid monthly or yearly, with no additional fees at those visits. Mention it to any of the team to sign up.
Quoted from our own fee schedule, subject to change (typically less than a 3% adjustment).
5.0 out of 5 · 500+ Google reviews
★★★★★I highly recommend Benton & Nelson Dentistry. I have anxiety issues, and an over-active gag reflex, and recently needed some work done on my back teeth. I chose to be sedated, and the experience was great ...well, as much as I can remember! Dr. Nelson was extremely informative, and professional, and his team monitored me safely throughout the procedure. As uncomfortable as I am with going to any dentist, my experience with Dr. Nelson, and his team and office staff has been amazing!Roger HPatient review, on our own site
★★★★★I was a stranger in agonizing pain, and they took me in like I was a long-time patient and cured my problem right away. I can't say enough good about Dr. Nelson and his whole team -- skilled professionals one and all. Thank you to the max!Nelson APatient review, on our own site
★★★★★I have the worst anxiety with dentistry but I was made to feel comfortable. It was a nonjudgmental zone and things were explained to me step by step. All my questions were answered. This is definitely a place to go whether or not you have anxiety.Sheri PPatient review, on our own site
★★★★★I’ve been going to Dr Benton for 40+ years and NEVER had a bad experience. This visit was my first with Dr Nelson and am happy to say I’ll be continuing my relationship with the practice. Dr Nelson was very informative about my current problem and very professional. The whole experience for me was quite positive.Mark BPatient review, on our own site
★★★★★Very calm and clean atmosphere and the staff were absolutely fantastic with me. They handled my concerns and answered all of my questions thoroughly, this is a very solid choice for any dental work you may need.Colin JPatient review, on our own site
Common questions
Yes, our office specializes in treating nervous patients. Dr. Nelson had just about every dental treatment himself between the ages of 4 and 18, which is a large part of why he became a dentist. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV (moderate) sedation are all available here.
Yes. We will see emergency patients who are new to our office, and we schedule a same-day emergency visit if the schedule allows. Time is also kept on Saturdays and Sundays for urgent cases, so call first.
We accept and file all dental insurance policies, with the exception of Medicaid, and will fight on your behalf for your maximum benefit. We are not an in-network provider with any insurer, but we will always explain your policy so you can use all of your benefits.
Patients who pay by cash or check receive a 5% discount. There is also an in-office membership plan, paid monthly or yearly, that covers cleanings, exams, fluoride and x-rays with no additional fees at those visits.
Yes, we love children. We see patients of all ages and often treat entire families, and we do our best to make a child's visit fun, from calling our instruments “Mr. Thirsty” to prizes at the end of the appointment.
Not at this time. Dr. Nelson prefers to have crowns made by a Winston-Salem dental laboratory, for their esthetics and fit. It means one extra visit, and he tells patients it is the crown he would want in his own mouth.
3066 Trenwest Drive, between Bethesda and Hawthorne Roads, across the street from Bailey & Thomas P.A. and next door to Zoe's Family Restaurant. There is plenty of free parking in our own lot.
Visit us
Hours from our Google listing. Friday hours vary and weekend time is kept for emergencies, so please call to confirm.
A member of the team will contact you to confirm. If you are in pain, please phone instead. Existing patients: please do not send private health information through this form.