Eric A. Katkow, DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Implant Focus

Eric A. Katkow, DDS, operates an oral surgery practice in Baltimore that handles tooth extractions, dental implants, and oral surgical procedures, drawing patients both from general dentistry referrals and seeking direct care for complex cases.

What This Practice Handles

Katkow's practice focuses on surgical extraction and implant placement, the two most frequent reasons Baltimore patients see an oral surgeon. This includes routine extractions, complicated extractions (impacted teeth, teeth with significant bone loss), dental implant surgery, and reconstructive procedures. Patients typically arrive by referral from their general dentist, though some navigate directly with their insurance approval.

Extractions, Implants, and Sedation Options

Tooth extraction in an oral surgeon's office differs substantially from extraction in a general dentistry setting, chiefly because of surgical capability and sedation depth. For straightforward extractions, oral surgeons and general dentists overlap in price; the advantage surfaces with impacted or compromised teeth requiring bone removal or surgical technique. Katkow's practice can manage cases where extraction alone is inadequate—when bone grafting, socket preservation, or immediate implant placement is necessary.

Implant placement involves surgical site preparation, bone assessment, and placement of the titanium root. Costs vary widely by implant brand, bone work required, and whether grafting is needed. Single implants in Baltimore typically range from $2,500 to $4,500 for the surgical portion alone; bone grafting can add $1,000 to $3,000. Always confirm current fees with the practice before scheduling.

Sedation options matter significantly. Oral surgery is offered under local anesthetic with nitrous oxide, IV sedation (conscious sedation), or full general anesthesia. Katkow's office handles IV sedation, a common middle ground that lets patients relax during a procedure lasting 45 minutes to two hours without full intubation. General anesthesia is available when medically necessary. Verify sedation availability and anesthesia fees when scheduling.

When to Choose an Oral Surgeon Over General Dentistry

A general dentist can extract a tooth that is fully erupted, visible, and easily accessed. An oral surgeon becomes the right choice for impacted teeth (wisdom teeth, buried canines), teeth with curved or divergent roots, cases where bone removal is essential, and situations where implant placement or bone reconstruction is planned immediately after extraction.

In Baltimore's dental landscape, most general practitioners refer complex surgical cases rather than handle them in-office. Dr. David Harris, another Baltimore-area oral surgeon, and Charm City Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery are alternative options; Katkow's practice represents a direct point of entry for implant work and surgical extraction.

Patients who can walk into their general dentist's office and have a healthy tooth removed don't require oral surgery. Patients with medically complex histories, severe anxiety, or need for deeper sedation benefit from the surgical setting and monitoring capability.

Typical First Visit Process

New patient appointments for oral surgery differ from general dentistry. Initial contact usually comes through your dentist's referral or a call to Katkow's office to request a consultation. The first appointment typically involves imaging (a 3D cone-beam CT or standard X-rays), a clinical exam, assessment of bone quality and quantity, discussion of surgical approach, sedation options, and cost review. If you need extractions and are considering implants, imaging and diagnosis determine whether bone grafting is necessary—a decision that significantly affects timeline and cost.

You will receive aftercare instructions during this visit, including pain management expectations, swelling timeline (typically peaks at day 2 or 3), and activity restrictions. Most extraction sites take 7 to 10 days for initial healing; implant integration takes months of bone adaptation underneath the surface.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Verify current hours before calling; many surgical practices operate on a referral and appointment basis with limited daily slots. Parking and accessibility depend on the practice's location within Baltimore. Ask about parking and accessible entrance when you schedule, especially if mobility is a concern.

Why This Practice Fits Baltimore's Dental Landscape

Katkow's practice provides direct access to oral surgical care without unnecessary delays, meaningful for patients facing extraction and implant decisions. The ability to coordinate extraction, bone assessment, and implant planning in one surgical setting reduces fragmentation and gives clear cost projection early.