Richard F. Cheng DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implant Placement

Richard F. Cheng DDS is an oral surgeon in Baltimore offering tooth extractions, implant placement, and related surgical procedures under various sedation options. He operates as an independent practitioner rather than as part of a hospital-based surgery center, making him a bridge between general dentists and hospital oral surgery units for patients who need extraction or implant work without hospital-level intervention.

What Cheng Actually Does

Oral surgeons manage teeth and bone problems that general dentists refer elsewhere. Cheng's practice focuses on simple and surgical extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth; dental implant placement; and bone grafting when implant sites lack adequate depth or width. Unlike a general dentist with basic extraction training, an oral surgeon has completed a 4 to 6 year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery after dental school. Cheng's scope does not extend to trauma reconstruction, jaw surgery, or pathology biopsies, which require a hospital setting or subspecialty training.

Procedures and Sedation Options

Extractions range from straightforward removals of broken teeth to surgical extraction of deeply impacted wisdom teeth. Cheng offers local anesthesia with nitrous oxide, intravenous (IV) sedation, and general anesthesia, depending on case complexity and patient anxiety level. IV sedation, the most common middle ground, allows the patient to remain responsive but relaxed and typically unable to remember the procedure; general anesthesia renders the patient unconscious and is reserved for medically complex patients or extensive surgery.

Implant placement typically occurs 3 to 6 months after extraction, once bone has healed and integrated. A single implant crown costs between $2,000 and $3,500 in the Baltimore area, though this varies by prosthodontist and implant system chosen. Tooth extraction fees (non-surgical) range from $150 to $400 depending on tooth position and root complexity; surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth runs $300 to $800 per tooth. Confirm current pricing directly, as sedation and facility fees may apply.

How Cheng Compares to Other Baltimore Oral Surgeons

Baltimore has several pathways for extraction and implant work. MedStar Harbor Hospital and Johns Hopkins Hospital both operate oral surgery departments within their dental or hospital facilities and handle complex cases, immunocompromised patients, and medically unstable patients; these are appropriate when general anesthesia in a hospital setting is necessary. Private practices like Cheng's serve stable, straightforward cases and patients who prefer not to undergo hospital-based surgery. University of Maryland School of Dentistry's oral surgery clinic offers reduced-fee care to uninsured or underinsured patients but typically involves longer waits and student supervision. For implant-only cases, some periodontists in Baltimore place implants within their scope, though most refer to an oral surgeon for placement and manage the restoration phase themselves.

Choose Cheng for uncomplicated extractions and implant placement in an office-based setting; choose a hospital program if you require general anesthesia, have significant medical complexity, or are uninsured.

Who It Suits and Who It Does Not

This practice suits patients with straightforward extractions or implant placement needs, moderate to severe dental anxiety willing to use IV sedation, and those with stable health and no airway or anesthesia contraindications. Patients with active infection, immunosuppression from cancer treatment, or transplant status may be directed to a hospital program. Patients seeking only wisdom tooth evaluation or non-invasive cosmetic options will have their consultation include referral back to their general dentist if no extraction is warranted.

The First Appointment

Referral from a general dentist is standard but not always required; you may call directly. The first visit includes a clinical exam and imaging (typically cone beam CT for implant planning). The surgeon evaluates bone density, tooth position, and nearby anatomy. Discussion covers the procedure itself, sedation choice, recovery time, and cost. Many practices provide a written estimate before scheduling. You will sign consent forms specific to your sedation level. For extractions, recovery typically involves 3 to 7 days of swelling and discomfort; for implant placement, 5 to 10 days. Return to work is often possible in 2 to 3 days for extractions and 4 to 7 days for implant work, depending on job type.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Verification note: call ahead to confirm hours, as schedules can shift seasonally. Most private oral surgery practices in Baltimore operate Monday through Thursday or Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited or no Saturday availability. Parking on-site or nearby is important to confirm; many office-based surgeries in the city are located near retail or medical office clusters with shared lots. If you receive IV sedation, you will be unable to drive and must arrange a ride home and someone to stay with you for the remainder of the day.

Richard F. Cheng DDS serves as the referral destination when Baltimore general dentists encounter extractions and implants beyond their scope, offering office-based surgery and sedation without hospital admission.