What is CDT Code D7310?
CDT Code D7310 specifically identifies a comprehensive dental procedure that combines the extraction of four or more teeth or tooth spaces within a single quadrant with alveoloplasty.
Understanding CDT Code D7310
CDT Code D7310 is a precise dental code used to classify a significant oral surgical procedure. It signifies a combined effort of tooth removal and subsequent bone reshaping, designed to prepare the mouth for optimal healing or future prosthetic work. This code is critical for accurate billing, insurance processing, and clear communication regarding complex dental treatments.
The Procedure: Alveoloplasty in Conjunction with Extractions
The core of D7310 involves two distinct yet interrelated surgical actions performed simultaneously:
- Multiple Tooth Extractions: This procedure requires the removal of at least four or more teeth or tooth spaces within a single dental quadrant (one-fourth of the mouth). This indicates a substantial area of the mouth is being treated.
- Alveoloplasty: Immediately following the extractions, alveoloplasty is performed. This surgical technique involves the careful reshaping and smoothing of the jawbone ridge. The bone may have irregularities, sharp edges, or excessive height after teeth are removed, which can impede healing or the proper fit of dental prosthetics.
What is Alveoloplasty?
Alveoloplasty is a surgical process where the bone of the jaw, specifically the alveolar ridge (the part of the jawbone that holds the teeth), is contoured. The primary goals are:
- To create a smooth, even surface, preventing discomfort from sharp bone edges.
- To prepare an ideal foundation for dental prostheses such as dentures, ensuring a stable and comfortable fit.
- To promote better healing of the extraction sites.
When is D7310 Applied?
Dental Code D7310 is typically used in situations where:
- A patient requires the removal of numerous teeth (four or more) in one quadrant due to decay, disease, trauma, or orthodontic reasons.
- The post-extraction bone structure necessitates reshaping to facilitate the placement of immediate or conventional dentures.
- Irregularities in the jawbone might otherwise cause pain, compromise prosthetic stability, or delay healing.
- The combined procedure offers an efficient solution, minimizing the number of surgical visits for the patient.
Why is this a Combined Procedure?
Performing alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions under D7310 offers significant advantages. It allows the dentist to address both the removal of teeth and the preparation of the underlying bone in a single surgical session. This approach:
- Reduces overall treatment time and patient inconvenience.
- Optimizes the healing environment by immediately contouring the bone.
- Sets the stage for more comfortable and functional prosthetic solutions, such as full or partial dentures, by ensuring a smooth, stable foundation.
Understanding codes like D7310 helps patients and dental professionals navigate treatment plans and financial aspects effectively. For more details on dental coding, you can refer to resources like Dr. Best Price's lexicon on dental codes, which provides further insights into specific procedures and their associated codes: Dental Code D7310: Alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions
