Sedation Dentistry in Houston, TX
If dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, or a strong gag reflex have kept you from the dentist's chair, sedation dentistry can help you get the care you need — comfortably, calmly, and without dread.
A calm, soothing environment and a sedation plan tailored to how anxious you really feel.
Dentistry designed around your comfort, not just your teeth
Dental anxiety is common — it affects adults and children alike, and it's one of the biggest reasons people put off the routine care that protects their teeth and gums. Sedation dentistry uses safe, carefully monitored medications to help you relax through a procedure, without losing consciousness or having any memory of discomfort.
Dr. Roberto Velasco and the Uptown team are trained to recommend the lightest option that actually gets the job done — never more sedation than you need, and never less than it takes for you to feel at ease.
At a glance
- Levels available: Oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.
- Best for: Dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, strong gag reflex, or extensive treatment.
- Fact: Dentophobia affects roughly 9–20% of U.S. adults.
- Kids: Sedation options used at Uptown are AAPD-approved.
Sedation dentistry can help if you...
Dread or postpone scheduling a dentist appointment
Have trouble sitting still for long procedures
Have sensitive teeth or gums
Have an exaggerated gag reflex
Need extensive dental work completed
Have a low threshold for pain
Types of sedation dentistry we offer
The right level depends on your anxiety and the procedure you need — your dentist will help you find the right fit during a sedation consultation.
Oral Sedation
A prescription like Valium, taken before your appointment, to ease nervousness for routine care. You'll stay conscious and aware, but you'll need someone to drive you to and from the office.
IV Sedation
Delivered intravenously for longer procedures like implants or root canals, IV sedation lets you rest in a relaxed, dreamlike state throughout treatment.
General Anesthesia
Reserved for extreme anxiety or extensive surgical work. You'll sleep through the entire procedure while an anesthesiologist monitors you continuously for safety.
A calmer visit, from start to finish
Our team takes every patient's pain tolerance and anxiety level seriously, offering sedation only when it's genuinely needed — never as an upsell. Combined with a calm, private treatment environment, sedation dentistry helps many patients get past their initial fear and finish treatment without complications, paving the way toward a healthier routine of ongoing dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?
Yes. We carefully assess each child's anxiety level and the treatment needed before recommending sedation. The options used at Uptown are approved for children by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and administered by a fully licensed team member experienced with both children and adults.
What are the risks of dental sedation?
Risks vary by sedation type but are generally minimal and rare — things like dry mouth or other minor, temporary symptoms. Our team will walk you through what to expect, and we have an emergency plan and experienced staff on-site for anything unexpected.
Will I be asleep during sedation?
It depends on the level used. With oral conscious sedation, you'll feel relaxed but remain aware and responsive. With IV sedation, you'll rest in a dreamlike state. Only general anesthesia puts you fully asleep, with oxygen delivered through a mask, and you'll wake up once treatment is complete.
Will I need to be sedated at every appointment?
Not necessarily. Many patients find that after a few sedated visits, their fear of the dentist eases significantly. We only recommend sedation when it's actually needed, so if a future visit doesn't call for it, we'll skip it.
Can I request sedation even if I'm not afraid of the dentist?
Yes — sedation isn't only for dental anxiety. It's also available if you have a strong gag reflex, don't respond well to numbing treatments, or have physical limitations in your neck or jaw. Note that sedation generally isn't recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
Cost depends on the type used. Oral sedation typically runs $200–$300, while moderate IV sedation and general anesthesia (administered by a dental anesthesiologist) can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 — separate from the cost of the dental treatment itself. We also offer financing through providers like CareCredit and Healthcare Financing Solutions.
Related dental services
Ready for a calmer, more comfortable visit?
If fear, sensitive teeth, or trouble sitting still have kept you from the dentist, you're not alone. Schedule your sedation dentistry consultation with Uptown Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry today.
