Pierantozzi Barbara A DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Same-Day Extractions and Sedation Options

Barbara A. Pierantozzi DDS operates a dedicated oral surgery practice in Baltimore offering tooth extractions, implant placements, and surgical removals of impacted wisdom teeth under on-site sedation. The practice serves as a referral destination for general dentists across the region who need surgical procedures performed without transferring patients to a hospital setting.

What This Practice Actually Is

Dr. Pierantozzi is a general dentist with a focused oral surgery scope, not an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (who has completed a separate surgical residency). Her practice handles routine surgical extractions, complicated tooth removals, and dental implant placements for patients referred from other dental offices or seeking care directly. The office is structured for outpatient surgical procedures under local anesthesia with sedation options, which means patients stay in-office throughout treatment and return home the same day. This positions the practice between general dentistry (which handles simple extractions) and hospital-based oral surgery programs (which manage complex facial trauma or full anesthesia cases).

Services and Sedation Options

The practice offers tooth extractions ranging from straightforward removals to surgical cases involving impacted teeth. Implant placement, which involves anchoring a titanium post into the jawbone before a crown is added, is also performed. Dr. Pierantozzi provides nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (pills taken before the appointment), and intravenous sedation depending on the complexity of the case and patient anxiety levels. IV sedation carries a higher cost than nitrous oxide, typically ranging from $400 to $800 depending on length of use, but specifics should be confirmed directly as sedation pricing varies by appointment duration and complexity. Simple extractions without sedation run lower, while surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth under IV sedation may exceed $1,500 per tooth depending on positioning and difficulty. Many dental insurance plans cover extractions at a percentage (often 50 to 80 percent after deductible) and may cover implant placement at 50 percent if deemed medically necessary; cosmetic implants are usually not covered.

Comparison to Other Baltimore Oral Surgeons

Baltimore has several board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, including those at University of Maryland Medical Center's Dental School clinic and private practices such as those associated with Johns Hopkins. Those surgeons typically handle more complex cases including jaw fractures, full extractions under general anesthesia, and extensive reconstructive work. Dr. Pierantozzi's practice is best suited for patients whose referral dentist or general practitioner identifies straightforward surgical extractions or implant placements that do not require a hospital operating room. If a tooth is deeply impacted, a patient has significant medical comorbidities, or full general anesthesia is required, a hospital-based oral surgeon is more appropriate. For routine implant placement and simple-to-moderate extractions where office-based IV sedation is acceptable, this practice offers more convenient scheduling and lower overhead costs than a hospital program.

Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not

This office works well for patients whose general dentist has referred them for a specific surgical procedure, patients comfortable with office-based sedation (not general anesthesia), and those with active dental insurance that covers surgical services. It does not suit patients requiring hospital admission, patients with severe medical conditions requiring hospital monitoring, or those needing extraction of all remaining teeth in one session (a full-mouth extraction case often handled differently). Patients without insurance can discuss payment plans directly; many oral surgery offices offer in-house financing or third-party payment options such as CareCredit.

First-Visit Procedure

A first appointment typically includes a clinical exam, review of X-rays (often sent from the referring dentist or taken on-site), and discussion of sedation options and costs. The surgeon explains what to expect before and after, including post-operative swelling, pain management, and activity restrictions. Patients bringing a friend or family member to drive them home after sedation is strongly advised; some offices require it for IV sedation appointments. Pre-operative instructions usually include fasting if sedation is planned.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Dr. Pierantozzi's practice location and specific hours should be confirmed by phone or her office website before scheduling, as hours vary by day and may change seasonally. Most oral surgery offices in Baltimore are open weekday mornings and afternoons, with some Saturday slots available. Parking is generally available at the practice location; patients should inquire about on-site or nearby parking when scheduling, especially if the office shares a building with other medical tenants.

This practice fills a specific gap between general dentistry and hospital oral surgery, making it a reliable option for Baltimore patients needing straightforward surgical extractions or implant placement without the complexity or cost of hospital-based care.