Diagnostic (D0100-D0999)

D0120: Periodic oral evaluation – established patient

A routine examination is conducted on a patient’s dental and overall health to assess any changes since their last comprehensive or periodic evaluation.

D0140: Limited oral evaluation – problem focused

An assessment focused on a particular oral health issue or concern that might involve analyzing information gathered from additional diagnostic tests. 

D0150: Comprehensive oral evaluation – new or established patient

A thorough dental examination is a crucial component of preventive dentistry, which aims to avert dental issues through proper care of teeth and gums. Also referred to as a full dental examination, this type of check-up requires more time than a regular one.

D0180: Comprehensive periodontal evaluation – new or established patient

This evaluation involves checking for oral cancer and assessing periodontal health as necessary, which may involve interpreting data obtained from further diagnostic tests.

D0210: Intraoral – complete series of radiographic images

A complete X-ray examination of the mouth will show the crowns and roots of each tooth, areas between teeth, the surrounding bone, and spaces where teeth are missing.

D0220: Intraoral – periapical first radiographic image

These X-rays show the whole tooth, including the tissues at the root tip, known as the periapical area. You typically receive 16 X-rays and four bite-wing radiographs in a thorough dental check-up.

D0251: Extra-oral posterior dental radiographic image

Extra-oral posterior dental imaging is a type of X-ray used to capture images of the outside part of the mouth to examine the formation of the jaw and skull. 

D0274: Bite-wings – four radiographic images

Bite-wings, a set of four X-rays, are taken to capture images of both sides of the mouth, showing the upper and lower teeth crowns in one image. These X-rays are essential for detecting cavities between teeth. 

D0330: Panoramic radiographic image

Panoramic radiography, or panoramic X-ray, is a dental X-ray that shows the entire mouth in one image, including teeth, upper and lower jaws, and surrounding structures.

Preventive (D1000-D1999)

D1110: Prophylaxis – adult

A dental cleaning on adult teeth that involves scaling and polishing to eliminate plaque, tartar, and stains from the tooth surface.

D1120: Prophylaxis – child

A dental cleaning conducted specifically on baby or transitional teeth that involves scaling and polishing to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the tooth surface.

D1206: Topical application of fluoride varnish

Applying fluoride varnish directly onto teeth to help strengthen enamel, guarding against tooth decay and sensitivity issues.

D1351: Sealant – per tooth

A dental sealant, also called artificial enamel, is applied to fill gaps in teeth and prevent decay. It acts as a protective shield, blocking harmful bacteria that can cause cavities.

Restorative (D2000-D2999)

D2330-D2394: Tooth-colored filling – resin-based composite

Tooth-colored fillings offer strong durability and resistance to breaking for small to medium-sized fillings that endure the ongoing pressure of chewing.

D2740: Crown – porcelain or ceramic substrate

A dental procedure that involves placing an artificial dental crown over a tooth that is decayed, chipped, cracked, or otherwise harmed.

D2950: Core buildup, including any pins when required

Core buildup is the process of reconstructing the natural crown structure before placing a restorative crown, with or without pins.

Endodontics (D3000-D3999)

D3310-D3330: Endodontic therapy

A dental procedure to eliminate an infection within a tooth often performed to prevent future infections. This treatment targets the inner part of the tooth, known as the root canal.

D3346-D3348: Retreatment of previous root canal therapy

Root canal retreatment is a non-surgical method where filling materials inside the tooth’s root canal are removed, followed by cleaning, shaping, and refilling the canals.

Periodontics (D4000-D4999)

D4341: Periodontal scaling and root planing – four or more teeth per quadrant

Periodontal scaling and root planing involve cleaning the surfaces of teeth, both on the crown and root, to remove plaque and calculus buildup.

D4342: Periodontal scaling and root planing – one to three teeth per quadrant

Periodontal scaling and root planing, targeting one to three teeth per quadrant, is therapeutic. It thoroughly cleans the tooth surfaces, removing plaque, calculus, rough cementum, and calculus-affected dentin.

D4910: Periodontal maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is for patients with periodontal disease, who have had periodontal therapy, or who have a history of gum disease. It involves deep cleaning periodontal pockets to remove tartar and plaque between gums and teeth.

D4355: Full mouth debridement to enable comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis

Full mouth debridement refers to the initial removal of plaque and calculus that hampers the dentist’s ability to conduct a thorough oral assessment.

Prosthodontics (D5000-D5899)

D5110: Complete denture – maxillary

A complete immediate denture replaces all teeth in one jaw. A partial immediate denture replaces some but not all teeth in one jaw. When an immediate denture is made for the upper jaw, it is referred to as an upper or maxillary immediate denture.

D5120: Complete denture – mandibular

A mandibular denture is a removable appliance crafted to replace lost teeth in the lower jaw. A lower denture is employed when a patient has lost most or all of their natural teeth in the lower jaw.

D5130: Immediate denture – maxillary

An immediate denture for the upper jaw is a temporary removable appliance placed immediately after teeth extraction. It serves until permanent replacements are available.

D5140: Immediate denture – mandibular

An immediate denture for the lower jaw is a temporary removable appliance placed immediately after teeth extraction until permanent replacements are available.

D5211: Maxillary partial denture – resin base (including any conventional clasps, rests, and teeth)

The most popular type of removable partial denture is a maxillary partial denture, which includes fake teeth and a gum-colored acrylic base. Two or more metal clasps secure it.

D5213: Maxillary partial denture – cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including any conventional clasps, rests, and teeth)

The popular maxillary partial denture features a metal framework with resin bases, artificial teeth, and gum-colored acrylic. It is secured with two or more metal clasps.

D5214: Mandibular partial denture – cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including any conventional clasps, rests, and teeth)

A mandibular partial denture features a metal framework, resin denture bases, traditional clasps, rests, and teeth.

D5863: Overdenture – complete maxillary

Maxillary overdentures are affixed to the upper jaw and are typically connected to the maxillary arch through four dental implants. A tooth-supported overdenture approach can be employed if the patient retains enough natural teeth.

D5864: Overdenture – partial maxillary

The maxillary partial overdenture replaces missing teeth by attaching artificial roots, often made of titanium, to the roots or teeth of existing natural teeth.

D5865: Overdenture – complete, mandibular

A mandibular complete overdenture is a significant dental procedure where a fully removable denture is placed over dental implants, natural teeth, and roots.

D5866: Overdenture – partial mandibular

In mandibular partial overdenture, dental implants are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw to support overdentures with titanium roots. The dentist then attaches a partial or complete replacement teeth to the implants.

Implant Services (D6000-D6199)

D6010: Surgical placement of implant body – endosteal implant

Endosteal implants are dental replacements for missing teeth. A surgical screw or cylinder is inserted into the jaw, along with a post or abutment. Once the bone has fused, the oral surgeon places a permanent crown on top.

D6059: Abutment-supported porcelain fused to metal crown – high noble metal

A metal and ceramic crown is attached to an implant with a small piece called an abutment. It is strong and is aesthetically pleasing.

Prosthodontics – fixed (D6200-D6999)

D6240: Pontic – porcelain fused to high noble metal

A pontic is a fake tooth in a dental bridge. It relies on support from an abutment tooth and is made as one piece to look like a natural tooth coming out of the gums.

D6750: Implant Crown – porcelain fused to high noble metal

Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns blend high noble metal and porcelain for strength. Porcelain is layered over a gold or platinum base, making it durable for chewing surfaces.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (D7000-D7999)

D7111: Extraction – coronal remnants deciduous tooth

Coronal remnants of a deciduous tooth are usually removed when the crown is held in place by soft tissue, but no root structures remain, indicating that the tooth is deciduous.

D7250: Surgical removal of residual tooth roots – cutting procedure

Removing residual tooth roots involves cutting tissue and bone to extract fractured roots left after an unsuccessful extraction, followed by closure.

D7140: Extraction – erupted tooth or exposed root (elevation and/or forceps removal)

Extraction involves removing an erupted tooth or one with an exposed or fully emerged root, typically done by lifting or using forceps.

D7210: Surgical removal of an erupted tooth requiring removal of bone and/or sectioning of the tooth, including elevation of the mucoperiosteal flap if indicated

Taking out a fully grown tooth involves removing bone, cutting gum and tooth, smoothing the area, and closing it up.

D7220-D7240: Removal of an impacted tooth

Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain or dental problems are usually removed with surgery called extraction. Surgery is needed if wisdom teeth cause infection, gum disease, or decay when they do not fully erupt.

Orthodontics (D8000-D8999)

D8080: Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of the adolescent dentition

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is ideal for aligning teeth and jaws and improving appearance and function. It is often done during adolescence when the body is still growing and responds well to orthodontic care.

Adjunctive General Services (D9000-D9999)

D9110: Palliative (emergency) treatment of dental pain – minor procedure

Emergency palliative treatment for dental pain involves a quick procedure during the initial visit to alleviate any discomfort, distress, or tension in the mouth.

D9230: Inhalation of nitrous oxide – anxiolysis, analgesia

Nitrous oxide is an effective calming drug, often called an anxiolytic agent. It can also increase the patient’s pain tolerance, improving the effectiveness of any local anesthesia used.

D9910: Application of desensitizing medicament

Dentists use desensitizing medications to seal the sensitive dentin layer of the tooth. Before applying them, your dentist will check for potential causes of sensitivity.

D9940: Occlusal guard – by report

Occlusal guards, also called night guards, mouth guards, biting guards, or dental guards, are removable devices that fit over the teeth to help with bruxism. They can prevent headaches, worn or broken teeth, and jaw pain.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a clear orthodontic method for improving your smile by correcting teeth alignment. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners have no metal wires and are nearly invisible when worn.