Kim Ross, DMD in Baltimore: Periodontal Treatment and Gum Grafting
Kim Ross, DMD operates a specialty periodontal practice in Baltimore, treating gum disease, implant placement, and gum recession with a focus on non-surgical and surgical graft techniques. The practice receives referrals from general dentists across the city and accepts patients who contact the office directly.
What This Practice Offers
Periodontics deals with the structures supporting teeth: gums, bone, and periodontal ligament. Disease in these tissues ranges from gingivitis (reversible inflammation) to periodontitis (bone loss requiring ongoing management). Kim Ross, DMD handles both nonsurgical treatment (scaling and root planing under local anesthesia) and surgical procedures, including connective tissue grafts for receding gums and bone grafts to restore sites damaged by advanced periodontitis.
The practice operates at the referral level of Baltimore's dental network, meaning general dentists and patients with existing periodontal diagnoses make up the core referral base. New patients without a referral can request evaluation, though the practice may request records from a referring general dentist to establish baseline disease severity.
Services and Pricing
Periodontal scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) typically costs $800 to $1,200 for a full mouth in Baltimore, depending on disease severity and how many sessions are required. Kim Ross, DMD's pricing aligns with this range; confirm the exact fee at the time of consultation, as it varies by quadrant count and patient history.
Soft tissue grafting (connective tissue graft) for recession repair generally runs $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth in Baltimore. This procedure uses a small graft harvested from the roof of the mouth and positioned to cover exposed root surface. Results are permanent when successful, but the procedure requires 1 to 2 weeks of restricted diet and wound care.
Bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration for periodontitis cost between $1,500 and $2,500 per site, depending on graft material (autograft, allograft, or xenograft). Insurance coverage for these procedures varies; some plans classify them as surgical, others as reconstructive. Verify coverage in advance.
Implant placement and tooth removal are also part of the menu. Extractions start around $150 to $400 per tooth; dental implant placement alone (excluding the crown) runs $1,500 to $2,500. Again, insurance and your specific case will alter these figures; ask the office for an estimate based on your periodontal status.
How This Practice Compares to Other Baltimore Periodontal Options
Baltimore has multiple periodontists. Dr. Michael Karamanos and Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel are well-established specialists in the region and maintain larger group practices with extended hours and emergency protocols. Karamanos runs a multisite practice with locations in Baltimore and surrounding counties; Spiegel operates a surgical-heavy practice known for complex implant work.
Kim Ross, DMD operates as a solo or small-group practice, which typically means shorter wait times for routine consultations (2 to 4 weeks rather than 6 to 8) but less flexibility for emergency same-day graft revisions. Choose Kim Ross if you want direct access to the treating clinician and value continuity; choose a larger practice if you need a safety net of multiple surgeons or extended hours.
University of Maryland School of Dentistry's postdoctoral periodontal program also offers treatment at reduced fee-for-service rates (usually 30 to 40% below market) through supervised residents. This option suits budget-conscious patients with uncomplicated gum disease; residents are slower, and appointments cluster around the academic calendar.
Who This Practice Suits and Does Not Suit
Kim Ross, DMD is best for patients with diagnosed gum disease referred from a general dentist, particularly those who want graft surgery or implant placement from the specialist who will manage their long-term care. The practice suits individuals who prefer a familiar face at each visit and who have reasonably flexible scheduling for follow-ups.
The practice does not suit patients seeking emergency extraction (same-day relief during acute pain) or those requiring round-the-clock availability for failed grafts. It is also not the appropriate first stop for someone unsure whether they have gum disease; visit your general dentist for screening first.
The First Visit
Before the appointment, your general dentist should send clinical notes and radiographs (X-rays). At the visit, expect a full periodontal exam: measurement of pocket depths (how far gum disease has progressed), mobility testing, and often new radiographs to assess bone level. If recession is present, the periodontist will evaluate whether grafting is indicated.
The visit typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. A diagnosis, treatment plan, and cost estimate follow. Treatment itself is scheduled separately and may occur in 1 to 4 sessions, depending on complexity. Nonsurgical scaling and root planing is often split across two visits to allow the mouth to heal between sides.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Confirm hours directly with the office, as they vary by day. Most Baltimore specialty practices operate Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Friday availability. Street parking or small office-building lots are typical in most Baltimore dental office locations; call ahead if you need accessible parking.
Allow 15 minutes for parking and arrival. Bring a photo ID and current insurance card; Kim Ross, DMD accepts most major dental insurances, though coverage for surgery is subject to plan limits and deductibles. Ask about pre-authorization; many insurance plans require approval before graft or implant procedures.
Kim Ross, DMD fills a clinical role in Baltimore that general dentists depend on for management of moderate to advanced gum disease and graft surgery, offering direct provider continuity that larger practices sometimes cannot match.
