Felton J. Fred DDS in Baltimore: Periodontal Referral and Gum Disease Treatment

Felton J. Fred DDS operates a periodontal practice in Baltimore serving patients with gum disease, implant planning, and supportive maintenance after advanced gum treatment. As a referral-based specialist, the practice receives patients from general dentists across the region who have identified periodontitis, receding gums, or other conditions requiring periodontal expertise beyond routine cleanings.

What the practice actually is

Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on the health of gums, bone, and the structures supporting teeth. Felton J. Fred DDS handles cases general dentists cannot fully treat in their offices, including moderate-to-severe periodontitis requiring scaling and root planing beyond the scope of a hygiene appointment, gum grafting, bone grafting before implant placement, and ongoing management of patients with histories of gum disease. Most patients arrive with a referral note from their regular dentist.

Gum treatments and the referral process

Typical patients are referred by their general dentist when a routine cleaning, X-ray, or exam reveals bone loss or pocket depths that exceed what in-office scaling can address. The referral path is straightforward: your dentist identifies the condition, discusses the need for specialist evaluation, and sends records or calls ahead to schedule. The first appointment involves a full periodontal evaluation, probing of all tooth sites to measure pocket depth, charting of bone levels, and imaging to establish a baseline.

Treatment decisions depend on diagnosis. Early periodontitis may respond to scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning procedure performed under local anesthesia that removes calculus and bacteria below the gum line and smooths the tooth root. More advanced cases may require surgical intervention: flap procedures to access deep bone defects, bone grafting to regenerate lost support, or gum grafting to cover exposed roots. Implant patients without adequate bone may undergo bone augmentation before implant placement.

Comparison to other Baltimore periodontists

Baltimore has several periodontal practices; proximity, insurance acceptance, and availability differ. University of Maryland School of Dentistry's postdoctoral program means periodontal residents treat patients under supervision at reduced cost through the clinic, suitable for uninsured or cost-conscious patients willing to accept longer appointment times. Private practices like Felton J. Fred DDS offer faster access and more senior clinician time but carry standard specialist fees. Choose the university clinic if cost is primary; choose a private practice if you need timely access or have established insurance coverage.

Services and typical costs

Scaling and root planing ranges from $150 to $300 per quadrant (one quarter of the mouth) depending on complexity and whether local anesthesia is used. A full-mouth treatment on a patient with generalized periodontitis can total $600 to $1,200 before considering other procedures. Surgical treatments such as flap procedures or bone grafting run $1,500 to $3,000 per site. Gum grafting costs $800 to $2,000 depending on graft type and size. Most insurance plans cover non-cosmetic periodontal treatment at 50 percent after a deductible; verify your plan's periodontist benefit before scheduling. Costs vary by complexity and material; confirm current pricing when you call.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Felton J. Fred DDS is appropriate if your general dentist has identified periodontitis or bone loss and you have dental insurance that covers specialist care or resources to pay out-of-pocket. It is also suitable for implant candidates whose bone volume or quality requires augmentation before implant placement. Patients with histories of gum disease who want ongoing specialist monitoring alongside their general dentist's preventive care also fit this practice model.

This practice is not a first stop for routine care; you need a referral or at minimum a specific concern identified by an existing dentist. If you have no established dental home, visit a general dentist first. If cost is an absolute barrier, the University of Maryland clinic may be more accessible.

What the first visit involves

A new-patient appointment typically runs 60 to 90 minutes. You will complete a medical and dental history, undergo visual and radiographic examination (often including X-rays or cone-beam CT scans if bone loss is significant), and have your gums probed at multiple sites per tooth. The periodontist will explain pocket depth, bone level, and any clinical signs of active disease. You will receive a written treatment plan outlining diagnosis, recommended procedures, timeline, and estimated costs. Insurance benefits will be verified before you leave. Many practices schedule treatment at a follow-up appointment rather than starting the same day.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Confirm current hours when calling; most Baltimore periodontal practices operate weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with limited or no weekend hours. Parking depends on the practice location; street parking, lot parking, or nearby garage access varies by address. Check the practice website or call ahead to confirm whether parking is available and whether it is free or metered. Most practices can accommodate emergency consultations for acute symptoms (severe pain, swelling) within a few days.

Felton J. Fred DDS fills a necessary role in Baltimore's dental care network, managing conditions that threaten tooth survival when left untreated and preparing patients for implant restoration.