Gary P. Schoppert DDS in Baltimore: Surgical Extractions and Implant Placement

Gary P. Schoppert DDS runs a solo oral surgery practice focused on tooth extractions, implant placement, and related surgical procedures. The practice operates in Baltimore and serves patients referred from general dentists across the metro area, as well as those seeking second opinions on extraction-heavy cases or implant planning.

What Schoppert's Practice Actually Does

This is a referral-based oral surgery practice, not a walk-in clinic. Schoppert holds the DDS degree and focuses on the surgical end of dentistry: removing teeth (simple and complex extractions, impacted wisdom teeth), placing dental implants, handling bone grafts, and managing extraction sites for future implant restoration. Patients typically arrive after a general dentist identifies a need for extraction or implant work and initiates a referral. Unlike a general dental office, there is no prophylaxis (cleaning), fluoride treatment, or routine filling work here. The scope is surgical intervention and post-operative follow-up.

Services and Sedation Options

Extractions range from simple removals of already-loose teeth to surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth or teeth broken below the gum line. Implant cases vary in complexity: straightforward single-tooth implant placement in patients with adequate bone volume is faster and less expensive than cases requiring bone grafting before implant insertion. Schoppert also handles cases where a tooth is extracted and an implant is placed in the same appointment, reducing treatment timeline for some patients.

Sedation options typically include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety and IV sedation for more complex procedures or patients with higher anxiety levels. Specific pricing for these services is not publicly posted and varies based on procedure complexity, bone grafting needs, and number of teeth involved. Extraction costs in the Baltimore area typically range from $150 to $400 for simple removals and $400 to $1,000 for surgical extractions (impacted teeth, bone removal). Implant placement alone (not including the implant crown later) runs roughly $1,500 to $3,000, depending on whether bone grafting is needed. Patients should request an estimate during the consultation, as insurance coverage of implants remains inconsistent.

Referral Pathway and Comparison to Baltimore Alternatives

Schoppert operates as a referral-receiving practice. A patient's general dentist identifies the need, discusses the referral, and sends records. The patient then contacts Schoppert's office to schedule a consultation. This differs from practices like the University of Maryland School of Dentistry's oral surgery clinic (which accepts some direct referrals and offers teaching clinic pricing) or private groups such as Chesapeake Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (a larger, multi-provider group in the Baltimore region that also handles dentoalveolar surgery and more complex jaw reconstruction). Schoppert's solo model means less wait time in many cases and continuity with a single surgeon across all appointments; the trade-off is no on-site anesthesia backup or emergency call coverage through a larger group.

Insurance coverage varies. Some plans cover routine extractions at 50 to 80 percent of the allowed fee; many explicitly exclude implant placement, treating it as a cosmetic or elective procedure. Patient responsibility should be clarified before the appointment.

First Visit: Consultation to Surgery

The first appointment is typically a consultation, not surgery. Schoppert will examine the site, take X-rays or CBCT scans if not already provided, review the patient's medical history (paying close attention to medications, bone health, and bleeding disorders), and discuss the surgical plan, sedation choice, and realistic timeline. For extractions, the surgery can sometimes be scheduled the same day or within weeks, depending on urgency. For implant cases, the consultation confirms bone volume and may reveal the need for a bone graft months before implant placement. The patient receives pre-operative instructions (nothing to eat or drink before IV sedation, medication adjustments) and post-operative care guidance (ice application, diet, activity restrictions, pain management).

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Confirm hours and exact address directly with the office, as these are details that may shift or become outdated. Street parking is available in most Baltimore neighborhoods; ask whether the practice has reserved spots or nearby lot access. Recovery from IV sedation requires a responsible adult to drive the patient home, so arrange transportation in advance. Post-operative swelling and discomfort peak around day 2 to 3 and typically resolve within 7 to 10 days for extractions.

Schoppert's solo-practice model and focus on surgical precision make it a fit for patients whose general dentist refers them for extraction or implant work and who value seeing the same surgeon from consultation through post-operative follow-up. The practice is not suited to those seeking comprehensive dental care or walk-in emergency extractions.