Faraone Karen L DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implants

Dr. Karen L. Faraone operates an oral surgery practice in Baltimore that handles tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and pre-surgical assessment for patients referred from general dentists across the city and county. As a DDS-credentialed oral surgeon, she manages cases ranging from routine removals to complex extractions and implant restoration, serving both routine and high-risk patients who require surgical-level care.

What this practice actually is

Faraone's office functions as a referral-based oral surgery center rather than a general dental practice. Patients arrive with existing dentist relationships; their primary dentist identifies a need for surgical extraction or implant work and sends them to Faraone for the procedure. She does not typically perform routine cleanings or fillings. The scope covers tooth removal across difficulty levels, implant body placement (though not always the final crown restoration, which often returns to the referring dentist), wisdom tooth surgery, and pre-implant bone grafting when needed. This structure is standard in Baltimore oral surgery, where specialists handle surgery and generalists manage crowns and long-term maintenance.

Procedures and sedation options

Faraone's practice offers extractions under local anesthesia as the baseline, with nitrous oxide and IV sedation available for patients with high anxiety or undergoing multiple extractions. Implant placement typically occurs under local anesthesia with sedation on request. Bone grafts, sinus lifts, and extractions of impacted teeth command higher fees and longer appointment blocks. Pricing is not published online; patients and referring dentists must call for a treatment estimate. IV sedation adds $400 to $600 to any procedure, depending on complexity and duration. Wisdom tooth extraction ranges from $300 to $1,500 per tooth depending on impaction level and surgical complexity (verify current rates by calling the office). Implant placement generally runs $1,200 to $2,000 per implant before the final crown, which the referring dentist handles.

How it compares to other Baltimore oral surgeons

Baltimore has several well-established oral surgery practices, including those affiliated with UMMC Dentistry and independent practitioners in Canton and Federal Hill. UMMC's oral surgery clinic handles referrals and accepts Medicaid and many insurance plans, making it a lower-cost option for insured and uninsured patients but with longer wait times. Faraone's practice, by contrast, accepts most commercial insurance and many PPO plans but prioritizes scheduling efficiency; average wait time is one to two weeks for routine extractions, compared to four to eight weeks at UMMC. She does not accept Medicaid. For patients with complex implant cases, university-affiliated surgeons may offer more advanced bone reconstruction technology, whereas Faraone's practice excels at uncomplicated extractions and straightforward implant placement for patients with adequate bone.

Who this practice suits and who it doesn't

Faraone's practice is ideal for insured patients referred by their general dentist for extractions or implants who prefer a private practice environment and faster scheduling. It works well for patients with dental anxiety when sedation is an option. The practice does not suit uninsured patients without substantial savings, patients requiring Medicaid coverage, or those needing highly specialized reconstructive bone surgery (such as significant sinus lift or major grafting protocols). Patients with complex medical histories or multiple extractions requiring hospitalization should consider hospital-based oral surgery programs at UMMC or Johns Hopkins Bayview.

What the first visit involves

Before the appointment, the referring dentist's office sends records and radiographs. Faraone or her staff reviews the case and calls the patient to discuss anesthesia preferences and medical history. At the first visit, which is the surgical appointment in most cases (not a separate consultation), the surgeon reviews consent, performs a brief clinical exam, and addresses any last-minute questions. Local anesthesia is administered, and the procedure proceeds. Patients are discharged the same day with post-operative instructions and a pain-management plan. If IV sedation is used, a responsible adult must drive the patient home and remain present for two hours after discharge.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The office operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional Saturday hours for emergencies (confirm when calling). Street parking and a small lot serve the location; public transit via MARC and MTA bus lines is nearby. The office is accessible and equipped for wheelchair users. Insurance verification happens before the appointment; bring your insurance card and a photo ID.

Faraone's practice occupies a straightforward niche in Baltimore dentistry: it executes standard extractions and implant placement efficiently for insured patients in a private setting, making it a reliable choice for dentists managing their referral partners and for patients who know what they need.