L. John Finamore, DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery With Extraction and Implant Focus
L. John Finamore, DDS operates as a solo oral surgery practice serving Baltimore patients who need tooth extractions, implant placement, and related surgical procedures. The practice is positioned between general dentists (who perform simple extractions) and hospital-based surgical centers, offering in-office sedation options for patients who prefer a private office setting over an institutional environment.
What L. John Finamore, DDS actually is
Dr. Finamore is a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), not an MD or DMD with additional surgical residency. This matters for scope and credentialing. A DDS with oral surgery focus typically handles extractions, dental implants, and minor oral surgery in an office setting but does not perform the full range of procedures available through oral surgeons who have completed a four-year surgical residency (often titled Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or OMS). For complex cases like jaw reconstruction, severe trauma, or impacted wisdom teeth requiring bone removal, a residency-trained OMS in a hospital or surgical center is the more appropriate choice.
The practice serves insured and self-pay patients. Location within Baltimore proper affects referral patterns and patient accessibility compared to suburban oral surgeons in the surrounding counties.
Services and pricing
The practice focuses on:
Routine extractions (single tooth removal without bone loss): typically $150 to $300 per tooth at private offices in the region, though Dr. Finamore's specific fees should be confirmed directly.
Surgical extractions (teeth requiring bone removal or sectioning, such as impacted wisdom teeth): $400 to $800 per tooth, varying by complexity. Impacted wisdom teeth can cost $800 to $1,500 per tooth depending on depth and position.
Dental implant placement: $1,500 to $3,000 for the surgical phase alone (the abutment and crown are separate and may be placed by a general dentist or prosthodontist). This price covers the titanium implant fixture insertion but not imaging, bone grafts, or temporary prosthetics if needed.
Bone grafting (if implant sites lack sufficient bone): $400 to $1,200 depending on graft material and volume.
Sedation options typically include:
- Local anesthesia only (included with the procedure)
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): $50 to $100
- IV sedation (twilight sedation): $200 to $500 depending on drug and monitoring time
Pricing varies by provider; call to confirm current fees. Dental insurance usually covers 40 to 80 percent of extraction and surgical costs (categorized as major restorative) if the extraction is medically necessary; implants are rarely covered by traditional dental insurance. Some PPO plans offer limited implant coverage (10 to 20 percent); verify your plan benefits before scheduling.
Comparison to other Baltimore oral surgeons
Dr. Finamore (solo practice) vs. Braces & Beyond Oral Surgery or Chesapeake Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (larger group practices with multiple surgeons): Solo practices often offer shorter wait times and direct access to one provider over multiple visits, but have less operational redundancy if the doctor is unavailable. Group practices provide continuity if your primary surgeon is out and may offer a wider range of complex procedures on-site.
Dr. Finamore (private office) vs. University of Maryland Oral Surgery (hospital-based residency program): Hospital settings are required for patients with severe medical comorbidities, those needing complex jaw surgery, or those with uncontrolled anxiety who need general anesthesia (not available in a private office). Hospital care is more expensive but includes anesthesiologist monitoring and emergency backup. Private offices are sufficient for routine implants and extractions.
Fee structure: Private practices in Baltimore typically charge 10 to 20 percent less for routine extraction and implant placement than hospital surgical centers, which carry higher overhead and anesthesia fees.
Who it suits and who it does not
Good fit:
- Patients needing routine or moderately complex extractions in a private, quieter setting
- Implant candidates with adequate bone and stable medical history
- Patients with dental anxiety who want IV sedation but prefer office-based care over a hospital
- Insured patients whose benefits cover surgical extractions
- Self-pay patients comparing extraction costs across providers
Poor fit:
- Patients needing general anesthesia (only available at hospital or surgical center)
- Those with multiple impacted wisdom teeth requiring extensive bone removal and longer surgery
- Patients with severe medical comorbidities (heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders) who need hospital monitoring
- Those requiring bone grafting from a cadaver or synthetic source (office-based practices may have limits on material options)
What the first visit involves
A referral from your general dentist is standard but not always required; call to ask about self-referral policy. The initial appointment typically includes:
- Clinical examination and visual assessment of the tooth or implant site
- Imaging (panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan) to assess bone level, root depth, and nerve position; cost often $75 to $200 if not done by your referring dentist
- Discussion of sedation options and risks
- Treatment plan with fees and timeline
- Review of pre-operative instructions (fasting if sedation is used, medication adjustments, driving arrangements)
Expect 45 minutes to one hour for a consultation. The actual extraction or implant placement is scheduled as a separate appointment, usually within 1 to 2 weeks.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Verification note: Call ahead to confirm current hours and parking availability, as these vary by location and season.
As a solo Baltimore practice, Dr. Finamore's office likely keeps weekday hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with limited or no Saturday availability. Parking on-site or street availability depends on the specific address within Baltimore; downtown and Inner Harbor offices may require paid lots or street meters, while office-park locations typically offer free parking.
Recovery time after extraction is typically 3 to 5 days; after implant placement, 7 to 10 days. Plan time away from work and strenuous activity.
Why this practice matters in Baltimore
Dr. Finamore offers direct-access oral surgery in a private office setting for patients whose extraction and implant needs fall short of hospital complexity but exceed what a general dentist can safely perform. For Baltimore residents comparing local options, a solo practice balances cost savings against the operational convenience of a larger group, making it a legitimate choice for straightforward surgical cases.
