Michael J. Kuhn DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implants
Michael J. Kuhn DDS is an oral surgeon practicing in Baltimore, handling the full range of tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and surgical tooth removal for complex orthodontic cases. Unlike a general dentist, Kuhn works on patients referred by other dental providers or who seek him directly for procedures requiring surgical expertise and the option of sedation beyond local anesthetic.
Procedures and Sedation Options
Kuhn performs extractions (simple and surgical), dental implant placement, bone grafting and socket preservation, wisdom tooth removal, and extraction of impacted or severely compromised teeth. Patients can receive treatment under local anesthesia alone or choose nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or IV sedation, depending on the complexity of the case and patient anxiety level. IV sedation is available for longer or more involved procedures.
Pricing for oral surgery varies significantly by procedure type. A straightforward extraction under local anesthesia typically costs $250 to $500; surgical extractions and implant placement are more expensive, often ranging from $800 to $2,000 per implant depending on whether bone grafting is needed. Ask for an itemized estimate at your consultation, as costs depend on the specific work required.
How to Choose Among Baltimore Oral Surgeons
Baltimore has several oral surgeons. Kuhn is one option; others include practices affiliated with the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, independent surgeons in Canton and Towson, and oral surgery groups that operate multiple locations across the region. Choose based on several factors: whether your general dentist has a referral relationship with the surgeon (coordination improves outcomes), the sedation options available and whether your dentist or the surgeon administers them, and whether the surgeon's location and office hours fit your schedule. If you have dental anxiety, ask whether IV sedation is available; not all offices offer it. If you need bone grafting before implant placement, confirm the surgeon performs that in-house rather than requiring a separate specialist visit.
Who Suits This Practice and Who Does Not
Kuhn's practice suits patients referred by their general dentist for specific surgical needs, those comfortable with a surgical specialist, and patients who can schedule appointments in advance (unlike emergency extractions, which often require immediate care). His practice is less suitable for patients seeking immediate same-day extractions or those who need the comfort of a large surgical center with anesthesia personnel on-site (though IV sedation is available).
What the First Visit Involves
Your first appointment begins with a consultation. Kuhn or a staff member reviews your dental history, examines the tooth or site needing treatment, and may take X-rays or a CBCT (cone-beam CT scan) to visualize bone structure. This is especially important for implant cases, where bone height and width determine feasibility and approach. He discusses your sedation preference, explains the procedure and recovery timeline, reviews risks and aftercare, and provides a detailed cost estimate. This visit is separate from the surgical appointment unless the case is straightforward and the patient consents to proceed the same day.
Hours, Location, and Parking
Verify current hours before scheduling; oral surgery practices often operate on limited schedules with afternoon and some early evening appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact the office for parking information and whether there is accessible parking near the entrance. After surgery, you will need someone to drive you home if you receive IV sedation or oral sedation, so plan accordingly.
Recovery and Aftercare Expectations
Post-extraction care typically involves rest for 24 to 48 hours, ice application, and activity restriction for a week or more for surgical cases. Implant placement requires several months of osseointegration (bone fusion with the implant) before a crown can be placed. Kuhn's office provides written aftercare instructions and is available for questions if complications arise.
Michael J. Kuhn DDS fills a clear need in Baltimore for referral-based oral surgery, providing access to sedation and surgical expertise that general dentists cannot offer in-office.
