Saul D Gurney, DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Sedation Options for Complex Extractions and Implants

Saul D Gurney, DDS is a solo oral surgery practice in Baltimore offering extractions, dental implant placement, bone grafting, and anesthesia-managed procedures for patients referred by their dentists or seeking second opinions.

What Saul D Gurney, DDS actually does

This is a specialty oral surgery office, not a general dental practice. Gurney limits his work to surgical procedures: tooth extractions (simple and surgical), implant placement, bone augmentation, and sinus lift procedures. Patients typically arrive with a referral from a general dentist or periodontist, though the practice accepts self-referred patients. The office manages different levels of sedation, including nitrous oxide and IV sedation, which distinguishes it from general dental offices that may only offer local anesthesia for extractions.

Procedures, sedation, and what to expect

Extractions range from uncomplicated removals of broken or severely decayed teeth to impacted teeth buried partially or fully beneath bone or gum tissue. Surgical extractions command higher fees than simple extractions because they require bone removal and suturing.

Implant cases begin with a consultation to assess bone volume and review imaging. Bone grafts, placed during the surgical appointment or before the implant, are charged separately. Sinus lift procedures, which create space in the maxillary sinus when upper-back bone is insufficient, are among the most involved surgical cases and carry a proportionally higher cost.

Sedation options range from local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (the least sedative option) to IV sedation, where a nurse anesthetist monitors vital signs throughout the procedure. Confirm sedation depth and cost at your consultation, as these vary by case complexity and patient anxiety level.

How Saul D Gurney, DDS compares to other Baltimore oral surgeons

Baltimore has several group oral surgery practices and hospital-affiliated surgical centers. Mid-Atlantic Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, with multiple locations including one in Canton, offers similar services with multiple surgeons; the trade-off is that individual surgeons and appointment availability may vary. University of Maryland Medical Center's oral surgery department (part of the UMB School of Dentistry clinic) accepts referred patients and uninsured or underinsured individuals, but appointment wait times typically exceed those at private practices.

Gurney's solo practice means continuity with the same surgeon from consultation through implant loading. This model suits patients who prefer a single point of contact and fewer scheduling changes. It also tends to mean longer wait times than a group practice during high-demand periods. The trade-off is direct access to the surgeon making all clinical decisions.

For complex implant cases, UMB's academic clinic may be preferable if you are uninsured or seeking treatment on a reduced-fee basis; expect a longer pathway. For straightforward extractions requiring sedation or routine implants, a solo practice or group office with shorter availability windows may be worth comparing by appointment lead time.

Who Saul D Gurney, DDS suits and does not suit

This practice is appropriate for:

  • Patients with a referral from their dentist and a clear surgical need
  • Individuals who want a single surgeon managing their implant care from placement through final restoration
  • People with dental anxiety who benefit from IV sedation and continuity of care
  • Those seeking specialized bone grafting or complex extractions

This practice is not:

  • A place for general dental cleaning, fillings, or routine checkups (refer patients back to their general dentist)
  • An emergency extraction clinic; cases are scheduled appointments
  • An appropriate entry point for uninsured patients without means to pay out-of-pocket (UMB and some community health centers are better options)

First-visit process

The initial consultation includes a clinical exam, review of existing imaging (such as a panoramic X-ray from your dentist), and discussion of the surgical plan. New imaging may be taken if needed. Sedation preferences and medical history are reviewed. You'll receive a written treatment plan with a fee estimate. Bring insurance information, a list of current medications, and any imaging from your dentist. The appointment typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Confirm current hours and parking availability with the office directly, as these details change seasonally and for staffing reasons. The office operates on a scheduled-appointment model; same-day emergency walk-ins are not accepted. Plan for a recovery period of 24 to 48 hours after IV sedation; you will not be able to drive immediately.

Saul D Gurney, DDS fills a clear role in Baltimore's surgical dentistry landscape: a single-surgeon practice offering the range of extractions and implant procedures that general dentists cannot perform, with sedation depth appropriate for anxious patients and complex cases.