Edward J Sharkey D.M.D. in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Implant and Extraction Focus

Edward J Sharkey D.M.D. is a full-service oral surgery practice located in Baltimore, offering tooth extractions, dental implants, and surgical corrections with sedation options ranging from local anesthesia to IV sedation.

What This Practice Handles

Sharkey's practice handles procedures that fall outside the scope of general dentistry: complex tooth extractions (including impacted wisdom teeth), placement of dental implants, bone grafting, and extractions requiring surgical intervention. Most patients arrive through referral from their general dentist when routine extraction risks are high or when implant candidacy requires surgical assessment. The practice also manages dentoalveolar surgery and jaw-related surgical cases. This is not a walk-in or emergency-only operation; all appointments are scheduled in advance.

Procedures, Sedation Options, and Costs

Extraction costs in Baltimore oral surgery practices typically range from $300 to $800 per tooth for routine extractions, and $1,200 to $2,500 for impacted or surgical extractions. Implant placement alone generally runs $2,500 to $4,000 per implant, though the full restoration (implant, abutment, crown) often reaches $6,000 to $8,000 per tooth. Contact the practice directly to confirm current fees and whether your insurance covers a portion.

Sedation options include:

  • Local anesthesia only (least expensive; patient remains fully conscious and aware)
  • Nitrous oxide and local anesthesia (mild conscious sedation; produces relaxation without sleep)
  • IV sedation (deeper sedation; patient is drowsy but responsive; typically an additional $500 to $800)
  • General anesthesia (used in complex cases; hospital-based; requires hospital facility arrangement)

Recovery varies: local-only extractions allow immediate return to light activity, while IV sedation requires a caregiver pickup and a day of rest. Implant placement, even with sedation, usually means one week before returning to normal eating.

Comparison to Other Baltimore Oral Surgeons

Baltimore has several oral surgery options. Mercy Medical Center's oral surgery department (part of Mercy Medical System) handles similar procedures but is hospital-based and typically requires a longer referral-to-surgery timeline. Private practices like those in Canton or Federal Hill often focus heavily on cosmetic implant work and esthetic outcomes; Sharkey's approach emphasizes functional surgical outcomes and straightforward case management. Hospitals tend to charge facility fees on top of surgeon fees, making private surgery centers and offices like Sharkey's usually more affordable for routine extractions and implants unless complications arise requiring hospital resources.

Choose a hospital-based service if you have complex medical history, require general anesthesia, or anticipate surgical complications. Choose Sharkey's or a comparable private oral surgery office for routine surgical extractions, implant placement, and cases manageable under IV sedation at lower total cost.

Ideal Patients and Who to Direct Elsewhere

This practice suits anyone requiring surgical tooth removal, implant placement, or bone grafting who has been referred by their general dentist. It works well for people with dental anxiety who opt for IV sedation, and for those whose general dentist determined simple extraction is not feasible. It is not ideal for emergency walk-ins seeking same-day extraction (schedule in advance); call an emergency dental clinic or emergency room instead. Patients with severe uncontrolled medical conditions (unmanaged diabetes, active cardiac issues) may need hospital-based surgical care.

What Happens on the First Visit

A first visit is typically a consultation, not surgery. You will meet with Sharkey for a clinical exam, review of your X-rays (often sent from your general dentist), and discussion of your medical and surgical history. He will determine candidacy for the planned procedure, explain sedation options, and review costs. If you proceed, surgery is scheduled for a separate appointment, usually one to four weeks later depending on complexity and implant site readiness. Bring insurance information and a list of all current medications. Plan for 30 to 60 minutes.

Hours, Parking, and Location Specifics

Confirm hours directly with the practice, as surgical schedules vary by referral volume. Standard office hours in Baltimore oral surgery practices are typically Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday availability. Parking is usually available in the building lot or nearby street parking. Bring your insurance card and photo ID.

Why Sharkey Belongs in Baltimore's Dental Care Landscape

Edward J Sharkey D.M.D. fills the essential referral role for Baltimore dentists handling cases beyond general-practice scope: surgical extractions, implant planning, and bone management. A skilled oral surgeon reduces failed extraction attempts, improves implant success rates, and keeps complex cases out of emergency departments.