Carol Eichelman DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implants

Carol Eichelman DDS is an oral surgery practice in Baltimore offering tooth extractions, implant placement, and other surgical procedures, available to patients on referral or self-referral.

What This Practice Does

Oral surgeons perform surgical procedures within the mouth and jaw that general dentists do not routinely handle or feel comfortable performing. Eichelman's practice focuses on tooth removal, including complex extractions of impacted or severely decayed teeth, and dental implant placement for patients missing one or more teeth. Most oral surgeons in the Baltimore area also handle bone grafts, sinus lifts (procedures that prepare the upper jaw for implants), and jaw-related procedures, though specific services should be confirmed directly.

Unlike a general dentist who may perform simple extractions, an oral surgeon has additional surgical training and hospital privileges. Some Baltimore practices limit their patient population; verify whether Eichelman accepts new patients and whether you need a referral from your general dentist.

Procedures and Sedation Options

Standard procedures at oral surgery practices include:

Simple extractions: removal of a visible tooth with intact root (usually $75 to $200 per tooth, though this varies widely by complexity and location).

Surgical extractions: removal of impacted teeth, such as partially erupted wisdom teeth or teeth broken below the gum line (typically $200 to $600 per tooth).

Implant placement: insertion of a titanium post into the jawbone to anchor a crown; the full cost from placement to crown is often $4,000 to $6,500 per tooth in the Baltimore area, depending on bone quality and any preparatory grafting needed.

Bone grafts and sinus lifts: preparatory procedures for implants when the jaw lacks sufficient volume; these typically cost $500 to $2,500 depending on material and extent.

Sedation options at most Baltimore oral surgery practices include:

  • Local anesthesia alone (numbing injections)
  • Nitrous oxide with local anesthesia (mild relaxation)
  • IV sedation (moderate to deep sedation while the patient remains responsive)
  • General anesthesia (full unconsciousness, less common in office settings and more often used for extensive jaw surgery)

The sedation level affects the total cost and recovery time. Confirm with Eichelman's office which options they offer and whether your insurance covers sedation; many plans cover IV sedation for wisdom tooth removal but not all plans cover it for implant placement.

Comparison to Other Baltimore Oral Surgeons

Baltimore has several established oral surgery practices, including offices in Towson, Canton, and the medical complex areas near Johns Hopkins. When choosing an oral surgeon, consider:

  • Whether they accept your insurance and whether they are in-network (this can save hundreds of dollars on a multi-thousand-dollar implant case)
  • Whether they offer on-site IV sedation (some offices require hospital referral for sedation)
  • Whether they have immediate availability (many practices have 4 to 8-week wait times for non-emergency surgery)
  • Whether the surgeon has fellowship training or is board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery (not all oral surgeons hold this credential; it indicates additional training)

If cost is the primary concern and the procedure is not urgent, some patients travel to practices in Delaware or northern Maryland where fees are sometimes 10 to 15 percent lower, though this rarely justifies the travel for a single procedure.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

Oral surgery is appropriate for:

  • Patients with impacted wisdom teeth
  • People needing tooth extraction prior to orthodontics or implant therapy
  • Patients with severe gum disease or bone loss who need grafting
  • Those seeking implants to replace missing teeth

It is not a good fit if you:

  • Have simple cavities or minor gum disease (general dentistry handles this)
  • Need orthodontic correction without tooth removal (see an orthodontist)
  • Are looking for cosmetic dentistry alone, such as whitening (though some practices offer both general cosmetic and surgical services)

Patients with bleeding disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or complex medical histories should inform the office in advance; some oral surgeons require physician clearance before surgery.

The First Visit and Referral Process

Most oral surgeons require a referral from a general dentist, though some accept self-referred patients. At the first appointment, expect:

  • Review of your medical and dental history
  • X-rays or 3D imaging (CBCT scans) if not already taken
  • A detailed discussion of the procedure, sedation options, cost, and recovery timeline
  • Written pre-operative and post-operative instructions

For implants, the consultation often includes discussion of implant brand (Straumann, Zimmer Biomet, and Nobel Biocare are common in Baltimore), crown options (metal-backed or all-ceramic), and whether bone grafting is needed.

Bring your insurance card and a list of current medications. Recovery from extraction is typically 3 to 7 days; implant recovery is 4 to 6 months as the bone fuses to the post.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Specific hours and parking details for Eichelman's office should be confirmed directly by phone or the practice website; oral surgery offices typically operate Monday through Thursday or Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., and often close or have limited hours on Fridays. Verify whether they have dedicated parking or street parking in the area.

Plan for a companion to drive you if you choose IV sedation; most practices do not permit sedated patients to drive.

Carol Eichelman DDS provides necessary surgical services for patients in Baltimore who need extraction or implant expertise beyond general dentistry, making a referral worth considering when a complex tooth problem requires more than in-office management.