Gerald N DDS in Baltimore: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implants
Gerald N DDS is a general dentist with oral surgery credentials operating in Baltimore, handling tooth extractions, implant placement, and minor surgical procedures within a solo or small-group practice setting. The office sits in the landscape of oral surgeons between full-service surgical centers (which handle complex cases and heavy sedation) and general dentists who refer out all surgical work, serving patients who need extractions or simple implants without referral to a specialist facility.
What Gerald N DDS actually offers
The practice focuses on routine oral surgery: tooth extractions (simple and surgical), implant placement, removal of impacted wisdom teeth, and bone grafting where needed to support implants. As a DDS with surgical training, the scope is narrower than that of an oral surgeon with a DM/MD degree, but covers the majority of cases that do not require hospital admission or general anesthesia. Patients often arrive via referral from a general dentist but can seek extraction or implant care directly without a referral requirement.
Services and sedation options
Extractions are priced based on tooth complexity: simple extractions (single-rooted teeth, fully erupted) typically range from $150 to $300 per tooth, while surgical extractions (impacted or multi-rooted teeth) range from $300 to $800 depending on removal difficulty. Implant placement alone (not including the implant crown or abutment, which are separate) costs between $1,500 and $3,000 per implant; verify current fees directly, as implant component pricing shifts with material suppliers. Sedation during extraction or implant work is usually local anesthesia with nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), which costs an additional $75 to $150. IV conscious sedation is not always available in a general practice setting; confirm availability with the office before booking if you require deeper sedation for anxiety or complex cases.
How it compares to Baltimore oral surgeons
Specialists with oral surgery residencies (DM or MD credentials) operate in Baltimore at offices like oral surgery group practices and surgical centers; these providers handle high-complexity cases, impacted wisdom teeth with bone removal, and offer IV sedation and general anesthesia on-site. Their fees are higher: surgical extractions average $500 to $1,200, and implant placement runs $2,500 to $4,500. They are necessary for patients with severe anxiety, complex surgical histories, or teeth requiring extensive bone work. A general dentist with basic extraction training charges less but refers difficult cases out. Gerald N DDS sits in the middle: more qualified than a generalist but less equipped than a full oral surgeon, making it cost-effective for straightforward extractions and implants without the specialist markup, provided your case does not demand advanced sedation or hospital-grade anesthesia. Many Baltimore patients with simple wisdom tooth removal or single-implant cases find this level of care sufficient and save $500 to $1,500 compared to a specialist center.
Who it suits and who it does not
The practice suits patients with straightforward extraction needs (loose teeth, simple removals) and those ready for implant placement after bone grafting elsewhere. It works for people with dental anxiety managed by nitrous oxide and those without dental insurance who want to avoid the cost of a specialty surgical center. Adults with fully developed teeth and no complex medical history benefit most. It does not suit young patients needing wisdom tooth extraction with bone removal, people with severe anxiety requiring IV sedation, or those with bone loss too advanced for simple implant placement in a general practice. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, or a history of complications with local anesthesia should confirm suitability before booking.
What the first visit involves
On the first appointment, expect a consultation where the dentist examines the tooth or implant site, orders X-rays (periapical or panoramic), assesses bone structure, and reviews medical and medication history. Extractions are usually performed on the same day if minor, or scheduled for another appointment if more complex. Implant consultations may include a CT scan (sent to a radiology center; $200 to $400) to measure bone depth and width. The dentist will explain the procedure, discuss anesthesia and cost, and ask about any bleeding disorders or medications that could affect healing. Plan 30 to 60 minutes for a consultation.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Typical office hours run Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday availability; call the office directly to confirm exact hours, as they vary by season and availability. Parking is usually lot-based at the office building or street parking in the surrounding neighborhood (verify at booking). After extraction, plan for 24 hours of rest; after implant placement, avoid hard chewing for several weeks. Extraction sites usually heal in 7 to 10 days; implant integration (osseointegration) takes 3 to 6 months before a crown can be attached.
Gerald N DDS fills a practical gap in Baltimore's oral surgery landscape for patients needing routine extractions and implants without the cost or complexity of a full surgical center.
