Steven H. Keller DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgeon for Complex Extractions and Dental Implants
Steven H. Keller DDS is a solo oral surgery practice in Baltimore offering tooth extractions, surgical implant placement, and bone grafting to patients referred from general dentists and specialists across the region. The practice focuses on surgical cases rather than general dentistry, meaning most new patients arrive with a referral and a specific problem to solve.
What the practice handles
Keller performs simple and surgical extractions, impacted wisdom tooth removal, dental implant placement and restoration planning, and bone augmentation procedures needed before implant insertion. The practice does not handle orthodontics, routine cleanings, or cosmetic dentistry unrelated to surgical reconstruction. Most patients come after a general dentist or prosthodontist has determined that a surgical approach is necessary.
Sedation and anesthesia options
The practice offers local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for anxious patients. For more complex procedures or patient preference, IV sedation is available. Patients should confirm sedation options and any additional fees during the scheduling call, as these vary by procedure complexity and patient medical history.
Referral process and first visit
A referral from a general dentist or specialist is standard, though not always required. The first appointment typically includes a clinical exam and radiographs to assess the surgical site, bone density, and whether bone grafting will be necessary before implant placement. This visit establishes a treatment plan and timeline. Patients with significant medical histories or on blood thinners should bring updated records and current medication lists.
How Keller compares to other Baltimore oral surgeons
Baltimore has multiple oral surgeons, including larger group practices like those affiliated with the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and smaller solo practitioners. Keller's single-provider model means less scheduling flexibility but often direct communication with the surgeon who will perform the procedure. Group practices may offer shorter wait times and coverage when the primary surgeon is unavailable. For straightforward wisdom tooth removal, either model works; for complex implant cases or revision surgery, many patients prefer the continuity of a solo surgeon.
Insurance, cost basis, and payment
The practice works with most major dental insurance plans. Specific procedure costs depend on complexity: simple extractions are less costly than surgical removal of impacted teeth, and implant placement varies significantly based on bone quality and whether augmentation is needed. Patients should request an estimate from the practice before the procedure; many oral surgeons provide these based on the exam and radiographs. The practice should be contacted directly to confirm whether payment plans are available.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Confirm current hours with the practice directly, as surgical schedules often run differently than general dentistry clinics. Most Baltimore oral surgeons operate in office-based surgical suites or dental centers, not hospital operating rooms, unless the case requires general anesthesia or the patient's medical complexity warrants hospital-based care. Parking availability and location details should be confirmed when scheduling.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
Keller is appropriate for patients with a clear referral, a defined surgical need, and the ability to attend an office-based surgical appointment. Patients with severe dental anxiety who require full general anesthesia may need to seek a hospital-based surgical center instead. Those seeking cosmetic improvement around implants should plan restorative dentistry with a prosthodontist or general dentist after osseointegration (typically four to six months post-placement).
Steven H. Keller DDS fills a specific role in Baltimore's dental surgery landscape: a focused surgical provider handling the extraction and implant placement portion of complex cases, leaving esthetic dentistry and long-term restoration to the referring dentist.
