Dr. Antonia B. Balciunas, DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery and Implant Placement

Dr. Antonia B. Balciunas operates a general and implant dental practice in the Fells Point area, offering surgical tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and bone grafting for patients referred from general dentists across Baltimore and the surrounding counties. Her practice focuses on both simple and complex extractions alongside implant restoration, drawing on training in advanced surgical techniques and sedation management.

What the practice offers

Balciunas provides surgical extractions, dental implants, and associated bone augmentation procedures. The practice accepts both self-pay and insurance-based patients. Implant restorations—the prosthetic teeth placed atop implant posts—are typically completed by the referring general dentist, though Balciunas coordinates with those providers throughout the process. The practice also handles cases in which a patient's bone volume requires grafting prior to implant placement, a common scenario in people with significant bone loss.

Procedures and sedation options

Tooth extraction ranges from routine removal to surgical cases involving impacted teeth or complex root structures. Implant placement itself involves creating a small opening in the jawbone, inserting a titanium post, and allowing bone to fuse around it over several months before the crown is attached. Balciunas offers in-office IV sedation and nitrous oxide for patient comfort during these procedures, reducing anxiety that often accompanies surgical dentistry. Patients sensitive to needle injections or nervous about bone surgery typically benefit from sedation; those undergoing simple extractions with local anesthetic alone are also accommodated.

Pricing varies significantly by complexity. A straightforward extraction under local anesthetic runs lower than a surgical extraction with IV sedation or an implant placement requiring bone assessment and grafting. Insurance coverage for extractions is typically higher than for implants, which are often treated as elective; verify your plan's implant benefit cap before scheduling. The practice can provide a written estimate after consultation.

Referral pathway and timing

Patients generally do not call Dr. Balciunas directly. Instead, a general dentist in Baltimore refers patients whose extraction or implant needs exceed the scope of a general practice office. This referral model is standard across oral surgery in Baltimore; it reflects the specialized equipment, training, and sedation protocols required. If your dentist has mentioned that your case requires an oral surgeon, ask whether they have established relationships with Balciunas or prefer another provider. Scheduling often occurs within two to four weeks, though complex implant planning may take longer.

Comparison to other Baltimore oral surgeons

Baltimore has several oral surgery practices, including those affiliated with major hospital systems and independent practitioners. University of Maryland Medical Center's oral surgery department handles high-acuity cases and trauma, making it the referral point for surgical complications; Balciunas's independent practice suits elective and routine surgical cases. MedStar Harbor Hospital also maintains an oral surgery service. For straightforward extractions and implant placement without medical complexity, an independent practice such as Balciunas typically offers more flexible scheduling and faster turnaround than hospital-based surgery centers, where operating room availability often depends on surgical demand across multiple specialties. Choose a hospital-affiliated surgeon if your medical history includes significant complications or comorbidities; choose an independent practice if your case is straightforward and scheduling flexibility matters.

Who this practice suits

Balciunas is appropriate for Baltimore patients whose general dentists refer them for extraction or implant surgery and who are comfortable with an independent practice model. Patients who are anxious about surgery and benefit from IV sedation will find the offering useful. Those with previous implant training or bone grafting experience should confirm that Balciunas has addressed similar cases; complex reconstruction sometimes demands subspecialized training. Patients without dental insurance or with limited implant coverage should discuss payment options at consultation, as implant cases can exceed $3,000 per tooth when bone work is required.

The practice is not a first-contact dental provider; you cannot walk in for a routine cleaning or have a new tooth emergency addressed without a referral dentist's involvement.

The first visit

After your dentist refers you, the practice will request your dental records and imaging. At the appointment, Balciunas will review your medical history, examine the surgical site, and discuss sedation options and post-operative recovery. Expect the consultation to last 45 minutes to an hour. A 3D scan (CBCT imaging) may be taken to assess bone volume and anatomy, particularly for implant cases. You will receive written post-operative instructions covering pain management, bleeding control, and dietary restrictions. Plan for 5 to 7 days of recovery before returning to normal activity; strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks following implant placement.

Hours and location

The practice operates weekday business hours in Fells Point. Confirm current hours and parking availability by calling ahead, as office schedules sometimes shift seasonally or for continuing education.

A patient seeking implant restoration or complex extraction in Baltimore benefits from a referral-based practice capable of handling surgical cases in-office with sedation, avoiding hospital delays and delivering faster resolution than many large systems allow.