Nikki M Dodek DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery for Extraction and Implant Planning
Nikki M Dodek DDS operates as a solo oral surgery practice in Baltimore, handling tooth extractions, implant assessment, and minor surgical procedures with referral-based patient flow. The practice sits at the more focused end of Baltimore's oral surgery spectrum, lacking the multi-doctor staffing or hospital-based surgical suite footprint of larger groups but positioned for patients seeking a single-provider model with direct communication.
What Nikki M Dodek DDS Actually Is
Dodek holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery—the extraction of teeth, surgical removal of impacted or difficult teeth, bone grafting for implant candidacy, and pre-implant assessment. The practice operates on a referral basis, meaning patients typically arrive after their general dentist or periodontist has identified a surgical need. This model differs from a walk-in extraction clinic: Dodek does not field emergency calls and expects coordination between providers.
Procedures and Sedation Options
Dodek's core scope includes:
- Simple and surgical extractions (fully erupted teeth vs. impacted or bone-embedded teeth)
- Impacted wisdom teeth removal
- Bone grafting and sinus lift evaluation ahead of implant placement
- Implant site assessment and treatment planning
Sedation at this practice typically runs local anesthesia with nitrous oxide for anxious patients. Full IV sedation availability depends on facility arrangement and should be confirmed when your referring dentist places the referral. Compared to University of Maryland Dental School's oral surgery clinic on Lombard Street, which handles emergency referrals and offers full hospital-grade sedation, Dodek's practice is appointment-only and smaller in scope. For straightforward extractions, Dodek offers faster scheduling; for complex cases requiring general anesthesia or hospital-based care, referral to a hospital-affiliated oral surgeon is more appropriate.
Who Suits This Practice and Who Does Not
Dodek suits patients with routine surgical needs (wisdom teeth, non-restorable teeth, implant planning) who can wait 1 to 3 weeks for a scheduled appointment and who arrive with a clear referral and documented clinical records from their dentist. The practice does not serve patients in acute pain requiring same-day relief, nor does it accommodate patients missing documentation or arriving without a referring provider.
Insurance and out-of-pocket cost vary by plan and procedure complexity. Extraction fees generally range from $250 to $800 per tooth depending on difficulty; surgical cases (impacted teeth, complex bone removal) run higher. Verify your coverage with Dodek's office before your appointment, as benefits differ widely by carrier. If you are uninsured or cost-sensitive, ask your general dentist whether a hospital clinic offering sliding-scale fees is a better fit.
The First Visit
You will not walk in. Your dentist submits records and radiographs (X-rays) electronically or by phone. Dodek's office contacts you to confirm the referral and schedule 30 to 45 minutes for the consultation and procedure, or consultation only if the case requires planning. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any medication list. Arrive 10 minutes early for intake forms if you are new to the practice.
At the appointment, Dodek reviews imaging, discusses sedation choice, and explains the procedure and recovery (swelling peaks day 2 or 3; prescriptions for pain and antibiotics are standard for surgical extractions). If the case is more complex than anticipated, scheduling a separate surgical date may happen. Pain control and infection prevention are standard; dry socket (a post-extraction complication) is managed with a medicated dressing if it occurs.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Dodek operates by appointment only. Specific hours vary; contact the practice directly to confirm availability and to arrange your referral. Street parking is available near the practice location; confirm whether dedicated lot parking or validation is offered when you call. Allow 1 to 2 hours total time from arrival to dismissal if sedation is used; arrange a driver if nitrous oxide or IV sedation is planned.
Nikki M Dodek DDS is a referral-based oral surgeon useful for patients whose dentist has identified a clear surgical need and who prefer a stable, single-provider relationship over a larger group setting.
