Dr. P. Sivakumar in Baltimore: General Dentistry with Same-Day Extractions and Clear Pricing
Dr. P. Sivakumar operates a solo general dentistry practice in Baltimore that handles preventive care, fillings, root canals, and extractions in-house, without referring most patients to specialists. The practice accepts most major insurance plans and works directly with patients on out-of-pocket costs, publishing procedure fees upfront rather than estimating at checkout.
What the practice actually is
Dr. Sivakumar holds an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) and DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), the latter the standard U.S. dental degree. He runs a single-chair practice focused on general dentistry: cleanings, exams, fillings, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions. Unlike many Baltimore general dentists who refer extraction or root canal cases to specialists, Sivakumar performs these procedures in-office, which can reduce treatment cost and scheduling delays by eliminating the referral step.
Services and pricing
Routine cleaning and exam runs $150 to $200 depending on whether X-rays or periodontal screening are included (verify current rates before booking). Fillings range from $180 to $350 per tooth based on size and material (composite vs. amalgam). Root canal therapy costs $800 to $1,100 per tooth. Simple extractions are $200 to $400; surgical extractions (impacted or complex teeth) run $500 to $900.
The practice does not require patients to use in-house financing or dental discount plans; it bills insurance directly and negotiates reduced rates with most major carriers. Cash patients receive a 10% discount. The practice asks new patients to call for a specific fee quote based on diagnosis rather than publishing a general price list online.
How it compares to other Baltimore general dentists
Most Baltimore general dentistry practices in medically underserved neighborhoods or on tight patient schedules refer extractions and root canals to oral surgeons and endodontists, adding 2 to 4 weeks to treatment timelines and raising out-of-pocket costs if a patient's insurance doesn't cover the specialist visit separately. Sivakumar's in-house approach eliminates that friction for patients whose insurance has low specialist copays or who are uninsured.
However, practices like Charm City Dental (Harbor East) and Cross Keys Dental (Roland Park) may offer extended hours (some open evenings or Saturday mornings), digital impressioning for crowns, or cosmetic bonding, services Sivakumar's practice does not advertise. Choose Sivakumar if you prioritize same-day extraction access and transparent, negotiable fees; choose a larger group practice if you need evening appointments or cosmetic dentistry alongside general care.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Sivakumar's practice suits Baltimore adults seeking extraction or root canal work without a specialist referral, patients with high insurance deductibles who want upfront cost disclosure, and those preferring a one-dentist practice where the same provider sees you each visit. It does not suit patients needing cosmetic services (tooth whitening, veneers, bonding), families seeking pediatric dentistry, or anyone who prefers a multi-chair practice with dental hygienists for all cleaning appointments (Sivakumar typically performs some preventive work himself).
What the first visit involves
The first appointment includes a comprehensive exam, a review of your dental and medical history, and X-rays if you have no recent records. If a problem is found, Sivakumar discusses treatment options and fees before proceeding; he does not schedule extractions or endodontic treatment on the same day without explicit consent. New patients should bring their insurance card and arrive 15 minutes early to complete a paper intake form.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The practice is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (verify hours by phone; seasonal or holiday changes may apply). Street parking is available; confirm specific location and whether a dedicated lot is offered by calling before your first visit. Sivakumar accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial plans including United Healthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield; call to confirm your specific carrier before scheduling. Emergency treatment for broken teeth or severe pain is available by phone; ask whether same-day urgent slots exist.
Dr. Sivakumar's practice fills a practical gap in Baltimore's general dentistry landscape by eliminating referrals for common procedures and posting fee transparency, which matters for uninsured and underinsured patients making care decisions month to month.
