Susan M. Baker DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implants

Susan M. Baker DDS operates as a single-provider oral surgery practice in Baltimore, handling tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and bone grafting for patients referred from local general dentists and periodontists. The practice accepts most major insurance plans and also treats uninsured patients on a fee-for-service basis.

What Baker DDS actually is

This is a traditional oral surgery practice focused on surgical dentistry rather than cosmetic enhancement. Baker works from a private office and does not operate as part of a larger group or dental center. The practice is appropriate for patients who need extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, removal of retained roots, implant placement, or pre-implant bone augmentation, typically by referral from their primary dentist.

Procedures and sedation options

Extractions, simple and surgical, make up a core portion of the caseload. Impacted wisdom teeth removals are routine. The practice also places dental implants, including immediate implants (placement on the same day as extraction), and performs bone grafts to restore volume where the jaw has resorbed after tooth loss. Sedation is offered at the office, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation; the specific level of sedation should be discussed at consultation based on the patient's anxiety level and procedure complexity.

Pricing for extractions typically ranges from $150 to $400 per tooth for simple removals and $300 to $800 for surgical extractions, depending on impaction level and complexity. Implant placement costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per implant body. Bone grafting runs $400 to $1,200 per site. These figures are approximate; confirm current pricing with the office directly, as the cost of bone substitute materials can fluctuate. Insurance usually covers extractions at 80 to 100 percent (within benefits) and may partially cover implants, though many plans treat implants as elective. Uninsured patients should ask about payment plans.

How Baker compares to other Baltimore oral surgeons

Baltimore has several oral surgery options. The University of Maryland School of Dentistry operates a clinic in downtown Baltimore offering extractions and implants at lower cost than private practice, typically $120 to $250 for simple extractions and $1,200 to $1,800 for implants, staffed by faculty and residents. This is the right choice if cost is the primary concern and the patient is comfortable working with trainees under faculty supervision. Private practices like Charm City Oral Surgery and offices within larger group practices such as Chesapeake Dental Care tend to offer faster appointment availability and a single surgeon continuity; Baker's single-provider model offers similar continuity and often shorter wait times for urgent extractions. Choose Baker if you want a straightforward referral path and prefer working with one surgeon over multiple visits; choose a larger group practice if you value same-day or next-day emergency slots and want more scheduling flexibility.

Who this practice suits and does not suit

This practice is ideal for patients with routine or moderately complex extractions and those seeking implant placement after tooth loss, particularly those with a steady relationship with a referring dentist who coordinates care. It is less suitable for patients requiring advanced bone reconstruction for multiple missing teeth or full-mouth implant cases, where oral surgeons with specialized prosthodontic collaboration may provide better outcomes. Patients seeking cosmetic refinement after extraction or implant placement should plan to consult their general dentist or a cosmetic specialist afterward; Baker's focus is surgical removal and placement, not cosmetic finishing.

What the first visit involves

Referral from a dentist is standard; Baker works with existing treatment plans. The first appointment includes imaging (intraoral photos and often a cone-beam CT scan for implant cases), an assessment of the extraction site or implant site anatomy, a review of sedation options and risks, and discussion of post-operative care. The patient will be asked about medical history, current medications, and any previous adverse reactions to anesthetics. A treatment plan with cost estimate and timeline is provided; implants typically require 4 to 6 months of healing before crown placement.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Verify current hours and parking details by calling ahead or checking online, as surgical practices sometimes adjust scheduling for continuing education. Most Baltimore oral surgery offices are open Monday through Thursday or Friday during business hours, with limited or no weekend availability. Parking information varies by office location; ask during scheduling whether there is lot parking, street parking, or parking validation.

A single-surgeon practice removes coordination overhead and keeps patient care consistent across visits. Baker's long-term presence in Baltimore establishes accountability and familiarity with local dental community referrers.