Richard A. Kline DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Extraction and Implant Focus

Richard A. Kline DDS operates a dedicated oral surgery practice in Baltimore, handling tooth extractions, implant placement, and surgical extractions that general dentists refer out. This is a single-specialty office, not a multi-service dental clinic, which means the entire practice revolves around surgical cases and the sedation protocols they require.

What the practice actually is

Kline runs a specialty oral surgery office where patients arrive either by self-referral or after a general dentist has identified a case requiring surgical expertise. The practice focuses on cases general practitioners cannot or will not handle in-chair: impacted wisdom teeth, surgical extractions with bone removal, failing teeth requiring extraction and implant restoration, and trauma-related extractions. The scope is narrower than a full-service cosmetic or restorative clinic. Sedation is available and standard for most surgical work, which is a key differentiator from primary dental offices.

Procedures and sedation options

Common cases include third-molar (wisdom tooth) removal, particularly impacted or horizontally positioned teeth; extraction of teeth with severe bone loss or root curvature; and dental implant placement. Some oral surgeons in the Baltimore market also handle orthognathic (jaw) surgery and pre-implant grafting, though specific services at this practice should be confirmed directly.

Sedation options in oral surgery typically fall into three tiers: local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (laughing gas), conscious sedation (IV sedation), and general anesthesia, though not all surgeons offer all levels. IV conscious sedation is common for complex extractions and implant work and costs more than local anesthesia alone. Ask about sedation cost at your consultation, as it often appears as a separate line item and is not always included in the extraction or implant fee.

How this practice compares to other Baltimore oral surgeons

Baltimore has several oral surgery options. University of Maryland School of Dentistry operates an oral surgery clinic in its dental school, which accepts referring patients and typically costs less than private practices; this is a reasonable choice if budget is the primary concern and you are willing to accept longer appointment lead times and care from residents under faculty supervision. Towson Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Green Spring Dental in Columbia, and practices within the Chesapeake Dental Associates network also handle surgical cases. Kline's practice is a smaller, private single-provider office model, which often means shorter wait times and continuity with the same surgeon across your treatment, though often at higher cost than institutional settings.

Choose a private oral surgeon like Kline if you want to avoid the teaching-clinic environment and value a dedicated relationship with one surgeon. Choose the university clinic if cost is the highest priority. Choose a larger group practice if you want flexibility in scheduling or surgeon availability.

Who this practice suits and does not suit

This practice suits patients referred by their general dentist for complex extractions, wisdom tooth removal, or implant placement, and those comfortable with or preferring sedation during surgery. It suits patients willing to have a dedicated surgical consultation separate from their regular dental home. It does not suit patients seeking routine cleanings, filling, or other non-surgical restorative work; those cases should stay with your general dentist. It does not suit patients in absolute need of same-week emergency extraction without a surgical consultation, as specialty practices require a scheduled appointment.

What a first visit involves

A surgical consultation typically includes an exam, often bitewing and panoramic X-rays (standard for assessing bone and tooth position), a discussion of the surgical plan, sedation options, and cost. The surgeon will explain the extraction difficulty, bone removal if needed, and post-operative recovery (swelling and bruising are normal for 3 to 7 days with most extractions). You will sign surgical and anesthesia consent forms. If you choose IV sedation, expect an IV line placement and monitoring throughout the procedure; recovery time is 30 to 45 minutes, and you must arrange a ride home. The actual surgery is scheduled as a separate appointment after the consultation.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Confirm hours directly with the office, as surgical practices often operate on limited schedules (sometimes 2 or 3 days per week) and may have a front-desk booking system that prioritizes referred cases. Street parking is available in many Baltimore neighborhoods; ask about lot parking or valet when you call. The office location determines proximity to major roads and public transit; Baltimore's MTA light rail serves some downtown and midtown corridors, though many surgical offices sit in neighborhoods with limited transit. Plan for time off work after surgery, especially if you choose sedation.

Richard A. Kline DDS fills a necessary role in Baltimore's dental ecosystem by handling cases that require surgical expertise and patient comfort measures that exceed general practice scope. Patients needing wisdom tooth removal or implant surgery benefit from specialized surgical training and dedicated sedation protocols.