M Monica St Jean, DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Emphasis on Surgical Extractions and Implant Placement

Dr. M Monica St Jean operates a focused oral surgery practice in Baltimore that handles tooth extractions, surgical tooth removal, and dental implant placement, typically taking referrals from general dentists across the metro area. The practice is a single-provider operation, meaning patients see the same surgeon for initial consultation through final treatment.

What the Practice Handles

Dr. St Jean's scope centers on surgical extractions—teeth that cannot come out through simple pulling—and implant surgery. Surgical extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is deeply impacted (as with most wisdom teeth), fractured below the gum line, or requires bone removal to access. Implant placement involves anchoring a titanium post into the jaw where a tooth is missing; the fixture then holds a crown after integration completes over several months. The practice also manages post-extraction bone grafting when needed to prepare sites for future implants. These are referral-based procedures, meaning a general dentist or periodontist initiates the request and coordinates care.

Sedation Options and Surgical Environment

Most oral surgeons in Baltimore offer local anesthesia alone, conscious sedation (IV), or general anesthesia for more extensive cases. The specific sedation tiers available at Dr. St Jean's practice and their cost differences should be confirmed directly, as these vary by case complexity and facility licensing. This detail changes per procedure and insurance approval, so verification before scheduling is essential.

How Oral Surgery Referral Works in Baltimore

General dentists refer patients to oral surgeons when extraction or implant surgery is needed. Dr. St Jean accepts referrals from dentists throughout the Baltimore region; patients do not self-refer. Once a referral arrives, the surgeon's office schedules a consultation, reviews imaging (often panoramic X-rays from the general dentist), discusses the surgical plan, and explains costs not covered by insurance. The timeline from referral to surgery typically ranges from one to four weeks, depending on case urgency and scheduling availability.

Pricing and Insurance

Surgical extraction costs vary by tooth position and complexity. Wisdom tooth removal typically runs between $400 and $1,200 per tooth at Baltimore oral surgery practices, though impacted teeth and bone removal increase the fee. Implant placement costs are higher; the surgical component alone often ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, not including the crown or abutment placed later by the general dentist. Insurance coverage depends on the plan; many cover extractions but not implants, viewing implants as elective. Verify coverage with your insurance company and confirm Dr. St Jean's current fee schedule before scheduling.

Comparison to Other Baltimore Oral Surgeons

Baltimore has several oral surgery options. University of Maryland School of Dentistry operates an oral surgery clinic with residents performing procedures under attending supervision; costs are often lower, but wait times extend longer and you may not see the same provider throughout. Private practices like Mid-Atlantic Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (multi-provider group) offer faster scheduling and continuity with a single surgeon but charge standard market rates. A solo practitioner like Dr. St Jean typically provides direct continuity and personalized communication without the overhead costs of a larger group, though scheduling flexibility depends on one provider's availability. Choose a referral-based practice (not a clinic) if you prefer predictability and rapid turnaround; choose a teaching clinic if cost reduction matters more than speed.

Who This Practice Suits

Dr. St Jean's practice fits patients referred by their general dentist for wisdom tooth removal, retained tooth extraction, or implant surgery. It suits people who prefer working with one surgeon throughout their case and who have insurance that covers surgical extraction. It does not suit patients seeking cosmetic jaw contouring, orthognathic (jaw realignment) surgery, or other advanced surgical specialties; those cases typically require hospital-based maxillofacial surgeons with broader training. It also does not suit patients seeking implant surgery without a referring dentist involved or those hoping for financing plans; payment expectations should be clarified in advance.

What the First Visit Involves

After a general dentist submits a referral, Dr. St Jean's office will send an appointment notice. Bring the referral, insurance card, and photo ID. The surgeon reviews your medical history, examines the area, and discusses imaging (your dentist's X-rays or new images taken that day). The consultation covers the surgical approach, recovery timeline (typically one to two weeks for extraction, three to six months for implant integration), post-operative pain management (usually ibuprofen and acetaminophen, sometimes a mild opioid for three to five days), and dietary restrictions (soft foods for the first week). A fee estimate and financing discussion conclude the appointment. Surgery scheduling happens before you leave if you approve the plan.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Specific hours and parking details for Dr. St Jean's location should be confirmed directly with the practice, as these change seasonally and by day. Oral surgery practices typically operate Monday through Friday with limited or no Saturday hours. Most private practices in Baltimore offer on-site or nearby street parking. Recovery is same-day; patients should arrange a driver for any sedated procedure and plan to rest that day. Suture removal occurs in seven to ten days if non-dissolvable sutures are placed.

Dr. St Jean's single-provider model and surgical focus make her a straightforward referral destination for patients needing tooth removal or implant placement, with direct communication and consistent care from consultation through post-operative follow-up.