Paul Keener DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Local Referral Pathways

Paul Keener DDS is a solo oral and maxillofacial surgical practice operating in Baltimore, serving patients referred from general dentists and specialists throughout the region. The practice handles tooth extractions (including surgical removals of impacted wisdom teeth), dental implant placement, and bone grafting, with sedation options available for anxious or complex cases.

What Paul Keener DDS actually does

Oral surgeons handle procedures general dentists either cannot perform or refer out due to scope or complexity. Keener performs extractions ranging from straightforward removals to surgical cases involving impacted or deeply rooted teeth, implant body placement (the titanium root component; restorative work typically returns to the general dentist), and preparatory bone grafts when jaw volume is insufficient for an implant. Most patients arrive via referral from their primary dentist rather than direct contact, though self-referrals from patients already diagnosed with problematic teeth are accepted.

Procedures and sedation options

The practice offers extractions at the lower end of surgical cost ($200 to $400 per tooth, depending on complexity and bone removal required; verify current fees). Surgical wisdom tooth removal (typically $400 to $800 per tooth or $1,200 to $2,000 for all four, depending on impaction level) represents a larger portion of referral volume. Implant placement runs $2,000 to $3,500 per implant body alone, excluding bone graft ($400 to $2,000 depending on material and volume) or eventual crown placement by a restorative dentist.

Sedation ranges from local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (for anxious patients) to IV sedation (twilight) for longer or multi-tooth procedures. General anesthesia is not offered; patients requiring that level are referred to hospital-based oral surgeons. Confirm current pricing before commitment, as implant material and graft costs fluctuate.

How Keener compares to other Baltimore oral surgeons

Baltimore has multiple oral surgeons in practice, including larger group practices (some affiliated with dental schools or hospital systems) and solo surgeons. Keener's solo structure typically means shorter scheduling delays than larger groups but no backup if he is unavailable. University of Maryland School of Dentistry and Towson-area group practices often carry lower fees for students or residents performing supervised work, making them alternatives for budget-conscious patients willing to accept extended appointments or less-experienced hands. Keener's fee tier sits at the median for private oral surgeons in the region; he is neither the least nor the most expensive option. Choose Keener for a straightforward referral, established relationships with Baltimore dentists, and standard turnaround; choose a larger group or academic setting if you need same-week availability or prefer multiple provider options within one facility.

Who suits this practice and who does not

Keener's practice works best for patients with a referring dentist, a known surgical case (impacted wisdom teeth, failing implant sites), stable sedation needs, and insurance or savings to cover out-of-pocket portions. New patients should expect to bring records or authorize release from their general dentist; the surgeon will review imaging and medical history before commitment.

This is not the right fit for patients without a referring provider, those needing emergency care outside office hours, or those requiring hospital-level sedation or anesthesia. Uninsured patients should ask about payment plans or cash-pay discounts at the first contact; not all practices advertise them.

What the first visit involves

Schedule through your dentist's office referral or by calling directly. Bring imaging (intraoral X-rays or CBCT scans if your dentist has already obtained them), insurance card, photo ID, and a written list of current medications and allergies. The surgeon reviews your case, confirms the procedure, discusses sedation level and risks, and obtains written consent. If bone graft is anticipated, materials and their cost are discussed upfront. Most extractions and simple implant placements occur at the first appointment; complex cases may require a separate planning visit.

Hours, location, and logistics

Paul Keener DDS operates Monday through Thursday; hours typically run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., though these should be confirmed before scheduling. Street parking is available in the immediate area, and the practice is accessible by MTA bus routes serving central Baltimore. Appointment slots for extractions often book 2 to 4 weeks out; referrals from high-volume practices may wait longer. Post-operative recovery guidelines (avoid strenuous activity for 3 to 7 days, depending on procedure complexity) are provided in writing at discharge.

Paul Keener DDS anchors straightforward oral surgical care for Baltimore patients with established dental relationships, delivering predictable outcomes within the region's competitive oral surgery market.