Richard Jaffe, DDS in Baltimore: Periodontal Treatment and Gum Surgery in Midtown
Richard Jaffe, DDS is a periodontal practice in Baltimore's Midtown neighborhood specializing in gum disease treatment, bone grafting, and implant-related procedures. The practice handles both complex cases referred from general dentists and direct patient intake, and operates at a clinical scale typical of single-provider or small-group specialist offices.
What the practice does
Periodontics focuses on diseases of the gums and supporting bone. Jaffe's scope includes scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), surgical gum grafts, bone augmentation, and pre-implant preparation. The practice also manages ongoing maintenance for patients with a history of gum disease. General dentists in Baltimore often refer patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis to specialists rather than attempt treatment in-house, particularly when bone loss is significant or grafting is needed.
Services and pricing
The practice provides non-surgical therapy (scaling and root planing), which typically costs $500 to $1,200 per quadrant depending on severity and extent. Surgical services, including gum grafts and bone grafting, range from $1,500 to $3,500 per site, though final cost depends on the graft material used and complexity. Prices in this range reflect Baltimore specialist fees; confirm current charges by calling the office, as graft material costs fluctuate. Insurance plans with periodontal riders typically cover 50 percent of non-surgical therapy and 50 percent of surgical work after the deductible is met; out-of-network patients should verify coverage before booking.
How it compares to other Baltimore periodontists
Baltimore has several periodontal providers. The University of Maryland School of Dentistry clinic in West Baltimore offers sliding-scale periodontal care for low-income and uninsured patients, though appointment lead times can run 4 to 8 weeks. Johns Hopkins dental clinics provide periodontal services primarily to hospital-affiliated or referred patients. Private practices such as Jaffe's operate with shorter appointment windows (typically 2 to 4 weeks) and cater to patients with insurance or out-of-pocket resources. A patient requiring urgent graft surgery would choose a private specialist; a patient with limited income and lower urgency might explore the UM clinic despite the wait.
Who it suits and who it doesn't
The practice is appropriate for patients with diagnosed gum disease and a general dentist's referral, for those who need graft work before implant placement, and for patients with dental insurance that covers periodontal care. Jaffe's office suits patients in or near Midtown who prefer a single-provider relationship with a specialist. It does not provide cosmetic gum contouring alone, nor does it typically handle complex surgical grafts for patients unwilling to complete pre- and post-operative care instructions. Patients without insurance should confirm that the practice offers payment plans; some do, others do not.
What the first visit involves
New patients bring their referral and recent X-rays from their general dentist. Jaffe will examine the extent of gum and bone loss using probing and imaging. He will discuss the diagnosis (gingivitis, mild periodontitis, moderate-to-severe periodontitis) and explain whether treatment will be non-surgical or surgical. Some practices photograph the gums for before-and-after documentation. The visit typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. The dentist will outline the sequence of care, expected timeline, and cost and insurance estimate. If non-surgical therapy is recommended, it is usually scheduled as a separate appointment in one or more quadrants, completed over 2 to 4 weeks. Surgical procedures follow only after non-surgical work is complete and gum health has improved.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Midtown locations near Penn Station and the University of Maryland Medical Center often have street parking available and sometimes limited lot parking. Confirm office hours and whether the practice offers early morning or evening slots, as hours vary by provider. Call the office directly for current parking information, as Midtown construction and lot availability change periodically.
Periodontal care in Baltimore is concentrated among private specialists like Jaffe, academic clinics, and hospital systems. Jaffe's standing reflects his single focus on gum and bone problems, which is why general dentists refer complex cases to his office.
