Dr. Michael S. Bernstein, DDS, in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Sedation Options
Dr. Michael S. Bernstein operates a solo oral surgery practice in Baltimore focused on tooth extractions, surgical removal of impacted teeth, and implant placement. Unlike general dentists who refer complex surgical cases elsewhere, Bernstein performs these procedures on-site, reducing the need for multiple appointments and external referrals.
Procedures and Sedation
Bernstein's practice handles surgical extractions (impacted or severely decayed teeth), routine extractions, and implant surgical placement. Most surgical cases are performed with IV sedation rather than local anesthetic alone, which allows patients to be sedated throughout multi-step procedures and experience no memory of the appointment. Patients must arrange transportation after sedation and cannot drive themselves home. The practice also accepts referrals from general dentists and periodontists for cases that exceed their scope.
Pricing for extractions typically ranges from $150 to $300 per tooth, depending on surgical complexity; impacted wisdom teeth run higher, often $250 to $400 each. Implant surgical placement (the bone graft and implant fixture insertion) costs roughly $1,500 to $2,500 before the restoration work. Verify current fees directly, as surgical complexity and material costs shift these ranges. Insurance coverage varies significantly; patients with dental plans should confirm whether their carrier covers oral surgery before scheduling.
How Bernstein Compares to Other Baltimore Oral Surgeons
Baltimore has several oral surgery options. University of Maryland School of Dentistry's oral surgery clinic in West Baltimore offers care at reduced cost through student dentists supervised by faculty; however, appointment wait times exceed those at private practices, and scope is limited to cases teaching residents need. Dental Associates of Maryland, a multi-location group with oral surgeons on staff, handles extractions and implants with shorter referral pathways if you are already a patient in their general dentistry network. Mercy Medical Center's oral and maxillofacial surgery department accepts referrals for complex cases and trauma but requires hospital affiliation and is geared toward medically complex patients or those needing operating room care.
Choose Bernstein for straightforward surgical extractions and implant placement outside a hospital setting; choose the University of Maryland clinic if cost is the priority and wait time is acceptable; choose Mercy if your case involves medical complexity or you need hospital-level care.
Who Suits This Practice
Bernstein's office works best for patients needing extractions or implant placement who prefer sedation and want to avoid hospital referral. Patients with significant medical histories, multiple comorbidities, or anxiety severe enough to require general anesthesia may be better served at a hospital oral surgery department where full anesthesia and monitoring equipment are available. Those seeking implant restorations (the crown or bridge after placement) will need to return to their general dentist; Bernstein handles the surgical phase only.
The First Visit
You typically arrive 15 minutes early to complete or update medical history and consent forms. The surgeon meets with you to review imaging (X-rays or CBCT scans), explain the procedure step-by-step, discuss sedation options and risks, and answer questions. If IV sedation is planned, you will review pre-operative instructions: nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before, wear loose clothing, and arrange a driver. The appointment itself can last 30 minutes to over an hour depending on complexity. After sedation, you spend 20 to 30 minutes in recovery before discharge.
Hours, Location, and Parking
Verify current hours by phone, as surgical practices often keep limited scheduling. The office is located in Baltimore; confirm the exact address and whether street parking or a lot is available before your appointment. If you are sedated, public transportation is not safe; plan for a private driver or trusted friend.
Why This Practice Matters in Baltimore
Bernstein's office fills a middle ground between general dentistry and hospital oral surgery, allowing Baltimore residents with straightforward surgical needs to stay in-network care without hospital admission. For patients whose dentist refers them out, having a local surgical option with same-day sedation cuts down on the coordination burden and time between stages of more complex cases.
