Dr. Bonnie Arroyo, D.D.S. in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Referral and Sedation Options

Dr. Bonnie Arroyo runs a solo oral surgery practice in Baltimore focused on extractions, implant placement, and corrective jaw procedures, primarily serving patients referred from local general dentists and specialists. The practice operates in a single location and limits its caseload to maintain continuity, which affects scheduling and how Baltimore dentists route patients there.

What the practice does

Oral surgery in Baltimore operates at a different scale than general dentistry; most general dentists refer complex extractions and implant work rather than handle it in-office. Arroyo's practice sits in this referral pathway. She performs tooth extractions (simple and surgical), implant placement, bone grafting, wisdom tooth removal, and pre-prosthetic work including ridge augmentation. The practice also handles some corrective jaw cases and TMJ-related procedures. Because Arroyo is a solo surgeon without associate dentists, the practice does not compete with larger group practices like those at UMSOM or private multi-surgeon centers; it instead serves as a specialist step rather than a one-stop shop.

Procedures, sedation, and referral structure

Most patients reach Arroyo through referral from their general dentist or orthodontist. Direct self-referral is possible but less common; the practice accepts patients based on the clinical need identified in a referral note. This differs from walk-in urgent extraction services at general dental clinics, which handle emergency pulls but not implant work or complex surgical cases.

Sedation options include local anesthesia with or without nitrous oxide, and intravenous conscious sedation (IV sedation). The choice depends on procedure scope and patient anxiety level. IV sedation is typical for wisdom tooth extraction and implant placement; local with nitrous suits shorter or less invasive extractions. Pricing varies by procedure. Wisdom tooth removal averages $800 to $1,200 per tooth depending on impaction severity; implant placement alone (the surgical stage) runs $1,500 to $2,500 before the implant crown. Bone grafting, if needed, adds $400 to $800. Consultation fees are not consistently published; call to confirm current rates before scheduling.

For comparison, Baltimore-area urgent care and general dental clinics can extract simple teeth at lower cost ($100 to $400) but refer surgical or complex cases to specialists. Larger group oral surgery practices with multiple surgeons typically accept walk-ins and self-referrals, offer more evening/weekend slots, and may have multiple locations; the tradeoff is less continuity and longer wait times at peak periods.

How this compares locally

Baltimore has several oral surgery entry points. University of Maryland School of Dentistry's oral surgery clinic handles complex cases and teaching; wait times are longer, and student residents do much of the work under supervision, reducing cost significantly. Private multi-surgeon groups like those in Columbia and Towson accept more self-referrals and walk-ins, offer more flexible scheduling, and can absorb urgent cases. Arroyo's single-surgeon model means fewer appointment slots but typically shorter booking windows than hospital-based programs and more personalized care continuity than larger group practices. Choose Arroyo if your referring dentist recommends her or if you prioritize one surgeon across multiple visits; choose a larger practice if you need evening hours or walk-in availability, or if your insurance network doesn't include her; choose UMSOM's clinic if cost is the primary factor and teaching-setting care is acceptable.

Who it suits and who it does not

This practice suits patients with complex surgical needs (impacted wisdom teeth, implant cases) who have a referring dentist and are willing to book 2 to 8 weeks out. Patients comfortable with a consistent surgeon benefit from this model. It does not suit patients seeking same-day or walk-in extraction, those without a referral who need to navigate independent scheduling, or anyone with a strict insurance network that excludes solo practitioners. It also does not suit very anxious patients needing intensive pre-operative counseling; Arroyo's practice is surgical-focused, not anxiety-management-focused.

First visit and what to bring

The initial appointment is a consultation and often includes diagnostic imaging (X-rays or CBCT scan). The surgeon assesses the tooth or implant site, discusses sedation options, reviews medical history, and provides a treatment plan with cost estimate. Bring insurance information, a list of current medications, and any previous dental records or images related to the area being treated. The appointment typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. If sedation is planned, arrange transportation home; you cannot drive after IV sedation.

Hours, location, and parking

The practice operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with limited or no Saturday hours. Parking is street or lot-based depending on location within Baltimore; confirm parking details when booking. Limited evening or weekend availability; this is a factor if your schedule does not align with standard business hours. Call to confirm current hours before planning a visit.

Why it matters

For Baltimore patients referred to a specialist, Arroyo's practice represents a common pathway for surgical dental work. A single-surgeon model in a city with many group practices and hospital-based alternatives serves patients who value continuity and personal attention in a specialist setting.