Diagnostic (D0100-D0999)
D0120: Periodic oral evaluation – established patient
A checkup on a patient of record known as a periodic oral evaluation-established patient is performed to see whether the patient’s dental or medical health condition has changed since a previous comprehensive or periodic evaluation, and can include the investigation of oral x-ray imagery.
0140: Limited oral evaluation – problem focused
A limited oral evaluation is one that only looks at a certain issue or condition relating to oral health. A patient who requires this type of evaluation typically has a dental emergency, such as trauma or a severe infection. Common problems can include chipped or broken teeth, dental trauma, etc.
D0150: Comprehensive oral evaluation – new or established patient
A general dentist performs a comprehensive exam, which is applicable to new patients and long-term patients who have had a significant change in their health or haven’t been seen in a while. It entails a visual examination of the oral cavity in conjunction with dental imagery.
D0180: Comprehensive periodontal evaluation – new or established patient/
Patients exhibiting periodontal disease symptoms or indicating risk factors often undergo a comprehensive periodontal examination which includes probing and charting gum pocketing depths, as well as a visual examination of the oral cavity in conjunction with dental imagery.
D0210: Intraoral – complete series of radiographic images
A full series of intraoral radiographs are used to image the crowns, roots, periapical regions, and alveolar bone of the entire mouth to assess oral health. Generally, it has 14 to 22 bitewing images and provides a detailed look at the patient’s overall gum and tooth health.
0220: Intraoral – periapical first radiographic image
A periapical x-ray is the preferred diagnostic option if a dentist needs to see one’s entire tooth, and includes an image from the top of the tooth to below the dental root. These images are often used to diagnose infection, severe trauma, etc.
D0251: Extra-oral posterior dental radiographic image
Extraoral images can be captured when the image receptor is placed outside the patient’s mouth, such as a CBCT or panoramic x-ray. Extraoral photographs are especially helpful for individuals needing orthodontic therapy, dental implants, or oral surgery treatments.
D0274: Bitewings- four radiographic images
The bitewings series of x-rays are often taken in sets of four and show the crown parts and contact areas of the rear teeth, is the most typical set that most dental patients have taken. By taking bitewings periodically, you can detect decay sooner and use smaller, less intrusive fillings.
D0330: Panoramic radiographic image
The whole mandible, TMJ, upper jaw, and nasal sinuses are seen on a panoramic x-ray, which circles the mouth from side to side. Typically, panoramic films are ordered only once every three to five years, beginning midway through adolescence and continuing into adulthood.
Preventive (D1000-D1999)
D1110: Prophylaxis – adult
A routine dental cleaning often performed by a dentist or certified dental hygienist in which plaque and tartar is removed from the permanent adult teeth and gums. Then the teeth are polished to remove any stain that has built up over time.
120: Prophylaxis – child
A routine dental cleaning often performed by a dentist or certified dental hygienist in which plaque and tartar is removed from the primary teeth and gums of children who don’t have permanent teeth yet. Then the teeth are polished to remove any stain that has built up over time.
D1206: Topical application of fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish is a protective layer applied to teeth to strengthen teeth, as well as prevent cavities and tooth decay. When applied topically, fluoride varnish is applied to the outer surface of one’s teeth and is typically rendered by a dentist or certified dental hygienist.
D1351: Sealant – per tooth
A sealant is an adhesive that is used to fill in gaps and cracks on the chewing surface of teeth. It is important because it protects the healthy tooth enamel by keeping it from being exposed to harmful bacteria and food particles that cause decay.
Restorative (D2000-D2999)
D2330-D2394: Tooth colored filling – Resin-based composite
Tooth colored fillings are a type of malleable, composite material that contains a resin and hardener, and are used to replace the natural tooth structure that has been eroded via trauma or decay during a filling procedure. This material is made to look like one’s natural enamel for esthetics.
D2740: Crown – porcelain/ceramic substrate
A crown is a realistic-looking synthetic tooth made of porcelain or ceramic material that has been bonded to the tooth’s natural tooth structure, after the tooth has been prepared and reduced to securely seat the crown into place in order to restore chewing function and esthetics.
D2950: Core buildup, including any pins when required
The core buildup procedure that is often required when a tooth that is going to be restored doesn’t have enough strong tooth structure to fully support the crown, bridge, or filling. The dentist will “build up” the tooth for strength and longevity prior to delivering the restoration.
Endodontics (D3000-D3999)
D3310-D3330: Endodontic therapy
A root canal is a dental procedure to save a damaged or infected tooth, and entails removing the tooth’s pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, then filling them. Typically, the tooth is then restored with a crown or filling to protect it, as well as restore function and esthetics.
3346-D3348: Retreatment of previous root canal therapy
Retreatment of previous root canal therapy is a treatment option that is used when the previous root canal treatment failed, was too short, or not large enough to fully remove all of the infected tooth root. So, the tooth got reinfected and needs to be retreated in order to be restored.
Periodontics (D4000-D4999)
D4341: Periodontal scaling and root planing – four or more teeth per quadrant
Periodontal scaling and root planing is a procedure that removes plaque, calculus, and bacteria from above and below the gumline on four or more teeth per quadrant. It is a critical procedure for those who have periodontitis to help prevent further gum mobility and tooth loss.
D4342: Periodontal scaling and root planing – one to three teeth per quadrant
Periodontal scaling and root planing is a procedure that removes plaque, calculus, and bacteria from above and below the gumline on one to three teeth per quadrant. It is a critical procedure for those who have periodontitis to help prevent further gum mobility and tooth loss.
D4910: Periodontal maintenance
Dental periodontal maintenance is a regimen of care for your teeth, gums, and bone for those who have active periodontitis. It involves a professional cleaning of your teeth and gums, and is typically rendered four times per year after a deep cleaning has been rendered.
D4355: Full mouth debridement to enable comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
Full mouth debridement is mainly performed to “clear the way” for the ensuing comprehensive oral assessment by removing excessive plaque and calculus acting as barriers, preventing the dentist and hygienist from conducting a thorough examination of the mouth, teeth and gums.
Prosthodontics (D5000-D5899)
D5110: Complete denture – maxillary
A complete maxillary denture is a removable dental prosthetic that replaces all of the missing teeth and surrounding tissues in the upper jaw. It is custom-made for a patient to restore function, appearance, and support to the facial structures after tooth loss.
D5120: Complete denture – mandibular
A complete maxillary denture is a removable dental prosthetic that replaces all of the missing teeth and surrounding tissues in the lower jaw. It is custom-made for a patient to restore function, appearance, and support to the facial structures after tooth loss.
D5130: Immediate denture, maxillary
An immediate maxillary denture is a pre-made removable dental prosthesis placed in the lower jaw immediately after the last tooth extraction. It helps maintain appearance and function while the gums and bone heal, and is later replaced by a permanent denture after some time has passed.
D5140: Immediate denture, mandibular
An immediate mandibular denture is a pre-made removable dental prosthesis placed in the lower jaw immediately after the last tooth extraction. It helps maintain appearance and function while the gums and bone heal, and is later replaced by a permanent denture after some time has passed.
D5211: Maxillary partial denture – resin base (including any conventional clasps, rests, and teeth)
A maxillary partial denture with a resin base is a removable dental prosthesis for the upper jaw which replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of a resin plastic base to support artificial teeth and metal clasps to attach to remaining natural teeth, restoring function and appearance.
D5213: Maxillary partial denture – cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including any conventional clasps; rests and teeth)/
A removable dental prosthesis with a cast metal framework and resin denture bases for the upper jaw, replacing one or more missing teeth. The metal framework provides strength and stability, while the resin bases hold the artificial teeth.
D5214: Mandibular partial denture – cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including any conventional clasps; rests and teeth)
A removable dental prosthesis with a cast metal framework and resin denture bases for the lower jaw, replacing one or more missing teeth. The metal framework provides strength and stability, while the resin bases hold the artificial teeth.
D5863: Overdenture, complete maxillary
An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces all of one’s teeth in the upper jaw and is seated over the remaining teeth roots or dental implants for optimal stability. It provides dramatically improved retention and function compared to traditional complete dentures.
D5864: Overdenture, partial maxillary
An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces one or more of one’s teeth in the upper jaw and is seated over the remaining teeth roots or dental implants for optimal stability. It provides dramatically improved retention and function compared to traditional partial dentures.
D5865: Overdenture, complete, mandibular
An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces all of one’s teeth in the lower jaw and is seated over the remaining teeth roots or dental implants for optimal stability. It provides dramatically improved retention and function compared to traditional complete dentures.
D5866: Overdenture, partial mandibular
An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces one or more of one’s teeth in the lower jaw and is seated over the remaining teeth roots or dental implants for optimal stability. It provides dramatically improved retention and function compared to traditional partial dentures.
Implant Services (D6000-D6199)
D6010: Surgical placement of implant body: endosteal implant
A dental implant which functions like a synthetic tooth’s root when a tooth has been lost, or if the root has been damaged by an accident or disease. The implant is placed into the jawbone, fusing with the surrounding tissue to accommmodate a final restoration, such as a crown or bridge.
6059: Abutment supported porcelain fused to metal crown (high noble metal)
A dental crown restoration that attaches to a prepared tooth or implant abutment which utilizes a high noble metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer, providing strength, durability, and a natural, tooth-like esthetics.
Prosthodontics, fixed (D6200-D6999)
D6240: Pontic – porcelain fused to high noble metal
A pontic is an artificial tooth used in dental bridges to replace one or more missing teeth. It has a high noble metal substructure for strength and durability, with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain on the outside for a natural, tooth-like appearance.
D6750: Implant Crown – porcelain fused to high noble metal
A tooth-shaped dental crown that is placed on a dental implant to replace one or more missing teeth. It combines the strength of a metal substructure with the natural appearance of a porcelain outer layer, restoring function and aesthetics.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (D7000-D7999)
D7111: Extraction, coronal remnants deciduous tooth
A dental procedure to remove the remaining visible portion of a primary tooth. This is typically done when the child’s baby tooth has broken or decayed, leaving only part of the crown, and needs to be removed for proper optimal health.
D7250: Surgical removal of residual tooth roots (cutting procedure)
The surgical removal of a residual tooth root or root fragment that remains in the jaw after tooth extraction. The procedure is typically performed when the root is causing discomfort or infection.
D7140: Extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root (elevation and/or forceps removal)
This procedure involves a tooth that is removed with a forceps, or can be lifted off using a dental elevator. This type of extraction is the most common and is used when there’s enough tooth structure to remove the full tooth in tact.
D7120: Surgical removal of erupted tooth requiring removal of bone and/or sectioning of d, and including elevation of mucoperiosteal flap if indicated
When a tooth is too difficult to extract with simple forceps, surgical intervention is often required. It involves creating access to the tooth and its roots by cutting a flap in the gum or jaw in order to remove it safely.
D7220-D7240: Removal of impacted tooth
A dental procedure where a tooth that has not fully erupted or is trapped below the gumline and needs to be extracted. This is commonly done for wisdom teeth to prevent complications like infection, pain, or misalignment of adjacent teeth.
Orthodontics (D8000-D8999)
D8080: Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of the adolescent dentition
An orthodontic treatment of the adolescent dentition that involves diagnosing, preventing, and correcting dental and facial irregularities. It typically uses braces or clear aligners to straighten teeth, improve bite function, and enhance facial aesthetics.
Adjunctive General Services (D9000-D9999)
D9110: Palliative (emergency) treatment of dental pain – minor procedure
This type of treatment is administered in an emergency situation to address dental pain. Before going to the dentist to fix the issue, you might need palliative treatment to relieve the pain.
D9230: Inhalation of nitrous oxide/anxiolysis, analgesia
A nasal hood is used to give nitrous oxide gas in the simple procedure known as inhalation sedation. While receiving dental care, the patient generally inhales nitrous oxide gas to feel more calm and relaxed, and is often used by those who have dental anxiety.
D9910: Application of desensitizing medicament
The dentist can treat sensitive teeth using desensitizing medications. During restorative dental operations, desensitizing medications are routinely used to freshly cut dentin before the replacement is put on the tooth to avoid future tooth sensitivity.
D9940: Occlusal guard, by report
An occlusal guard is a piece of plastic in the shape of a horseshoe worn over the teeth to prevent damage from clenching or grinding. It creates a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth so that you bite against the plastic rather than wear down your teeth.
Invisalign
Using Invisalign instead of the traditional metal wire braces is a subtle and comfortable solution to straighten your teeth. These removable, practically transparent aligners are composed of plastic and are manufactured and designed especially for you. You’ll receive many sets of aligners throughout your treatment, and each set will be modified to gradually straighten your teeth.
For more information, please see these valuable resources from the American Dental Association:
Clinical Terms: https://www.ada.org/publications/cdt/glossary-of-dental-clinical-terms
Administrative Terms: https://www.ada.org/publications/cdt/glossary-of-dental-administrative-terms