Etessami Michael, DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implants

Etessami Michael, DDS operates as a general dentist with oral surgery capabilities in Baltimore, handling tooth extractions and dental implant placement for patients seeking surgical-level care without the referral delays or out-of-network costs that specialty oral surgeons often entail.

What Etessami Michael, DDS actually is

A solo practitioner operating in Baltimore's dental marketplace, Etessami offers a hybrid model: standard restorative dentistry alongside procedures traditionally reserved for oral surgeons. This setup serves patients who need an extraction or implant but lack a referral, patients with insurance that limits oral surgery coverage, and those seeking continuity with a single provider across preventive and surgical work. The practice operates at smaller scale than multi-provider group practices or hospital-affiliated oral surgery centers, which can mean shorter wait times for consultations and follow-up but also limited hours and no on-site anesthesia support beyond local anesthetic and nitrous oxide.

Services and sedation options

Etessami performs routine extractions, surgical extractions of impacted teeth, and dental implant placement (implant body insertion; restorative crown work typically follows with a prosthodontist or general dentist). Sedation consists of local anesthetic with or without nitrous oxide (laughing gas). For complex cases or patients with severe anxiety, the practice refers to an oral surgery specialist who can provide IV sedation or general anesthesia. Pricing varies by procedure complexity; simple extractions typically range from $150 to $300, surgical extractions from $300 to $600, and implant placement from $1,200 to $2,000, depending on bone grafting needs. Insurance coverage depends on your plan: many cover extractions at 50 to 80 percent after deductible, but implants are often classified as cosmetic and excluded entirely. Verify your specific policy before treatment, as these figures fluctuate by insurance type.

Comparison to other Baltimore oral surgeons

Baltimore hosts dedicated oral surgery practices and hospital-based centers that specialize exclusively in surgical procedures and offer deeper sedation options. Practices like those within Mercy Medical Center's dental departments or independent specialists typically charge $500 to $1,500 for simple extractions and $2,500 to $4,000 for implant placement, with higher overhead reflected in fees. They excel when a patient requires IV sedation, faces multiple complex extractions, or needs immediate post-op support. Etessami works best for patients who want surgical dentistry without switching providers, prefer simpler cases, or need an affordable entry point for implant treatment; the trade-off is no heavy sedation on-site and longer lead times for complex referrals.

Who suits this practice and who does not

Etessami suits patients with straightforward extraction or implant needs, those comfortable with local anesthesia, uninsured or underinsured patients seeking cost containment, and those with established relationships with the practice. Patients who are anxious, require IV sedation, have severely impacted wisdom teeth, or need bone grafting preceding implant work should seek a dedicated oral surgeon. Insurance coverage drives many decisions: if your plan excludes implants but covers extractions, Etessami provides cost-effective extraction care; if your insurance requires an oral surgery referral, a specialist may be required regardless of practice choice.

What the first visit involves

An initial consultation includes a clinical exam, X-rays if not recently taken elsewhere, and discussion of your surgical needs and sedation comfort level. For extractions, the provider assesses tooth position, bone density, and any risk factors; for implants, imaging determines whether bone grafting is necessary before placement. The visit typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. After the consultation, you schedule the surgical appointment, which varies from 15 minutes for a simple extraction to 60 to 90 minutes for implant placement.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Confirm current hours by phone, as practices frequently adjust scheduling. Street or lot parking is typical in Baltimore dental practices and varies by location. Plan for a follow-up visit one to two weeks after extraction to check healing; implant patients return at four to six months for the restorative phase. Call ahead regarding insurance verification and payment policies, as many practices require balances settled before treatment in cases where coverage is limited.

Etessami fills a practical niche in Baltimore's dental landscape: cost-accessible surgical dentistry without referral friction, suited to straightforward cases and patients who value continuity of care.