William R. Patteson DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Sedation Options for Extractions and Implants

William R. Patteson DDS is a solo oral surgery practice in Baltimore offering tooth extractions, implant placement, and sedation services to patients referred from general dentists throughout the city and surrounding counties.

What the practice actually is

Patteson is a general oral surgeon, not a specialist limited to one procedure type. His practice handles routine and surgical extractions, implant placement and restoration, wisdom tooth removal, and bone grafting. The setting is a single-provider office rather than a large surgical center, which typically means shorter wait times between referral and scheduling and more continuity with one clinician. Most patients arrive via referral from their family dentist; walk-ins are not accommodated.

Procedures, sedation options, and what to expect

Tooth extractions range from simple removals of erupted teeth to surgical extractions requiring bone removal or tooth sectioning. Wisdom tooth extraction, a common reason patients are referred to oral surgeons, requires surgical approach when teeth are impacted or partially buried. Implant placement involves extracting a tooth, allowing bone to heal (typically 3-6 months), then surgically placing a titanium post into the jaw. A general dentist then attaches the crown. Some patients choose bone grafting if the jaw is too narrow or tall for an implant without supplemental bone.

Sedation options typically include local anesthesia (numbing only), nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety reduction, oral conscious sedation (a prescribed pill taken before arrival), and IV sedation (deep relaxation under anesthesia delivered intravenously). IV sedation is most common for complex cases or anxious patients; the practice handles this in-office. Confirm the full menu of sedation options and any additional fees when your dentist makes the referral.

How it compares to other Baltimore oral surgeons

Baltimore has several oral surgery options. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Baltimore, a multi-provider group, offers the same core services plus more specialized procedures like orthognathic (jaw correction) surgery and trauma reconstruction. Choosing between a solo surgeon like Patteson and a group practice is largely about convenience and complexity. Patteson suits patients seeking a single familiar clinician for extractions and routine implants; the group is a better fit if you need multiple specialties or same-day cross-coverage. University of Maryland Medical Center's Oral Surgery Department is also available for referral, especially for hospital-based cases or patients in academic programs. Price varies between these options; confirm costs for your specific procedure with your referring dentist.

Who benefits, who does not

Patteson's practice is well-suited to patients needing straightforward extractions or implant placement with a clear referral path and moderate sedation tolerance. Patients with severe anxiety, medical complexity, or previous surgical complications should discuss with their dentist whether additional resources at a multi-provider group or hospital setting are appropriate. Insurance coverage depends on your plan and the procedure; most plans cover medically necessary extractions but may not cover cosmetic implants. Confirm coverage with your insurer before the first visit.

The referral and first visit

Your general dentist initiates the referral by sending imaging (usually a panoramic X-ray) and clinical notes. Patteson's office contacts you to schedule. At the first appointment, the surgeon reviews your medical history, medications, allergies, and previous anesthesia experience. Imaging is reviewed, the surgical plan is explained, and sedation options are discussed. If you are having IV sedation, you will be asked to arrange a driver and fast before the appointment (typically nothing to eat or drink after midnight). The surgery itself takes 15 to 60 minutes depending on complexity. Post-operative instructions include ice application, pain management, and activity restrictions for the first week.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Office hours and parking availability vary by location within Baltimore. Confirm the exact address, hours, and whether parking is street-side, lot-based, or included when you receive your appointment confirmation. Most oral surgery offices are accessible by bus and light rail; check the MTA website if you rely on public transit. Post-operative visits for suture removal or follow-up are typically 1-2 weeks after surgery and require minimal time.

William R. Patteson DDS serves a clear role in Baltimore's dental referral network for patients moving from routine care into extractions and implant surgery. The single-surgeon model and in-office sedation make him a convenient choice for many straightforward cases.