Basics of Alveoplasty

Alveoloplasty is a dental surgical procedure that involves reshaping and smoothing the jawbone’s alveolar ridge. The alveolar ridge is the bony ridge that surrounds and supports the teeth.

Alveoloplasty is typically performed after tooth extraction or in preparation for dentures, dental implants, or other types of dental restorations. The goal of the procedure is to create a well-contoured and smooth ridge that will provide optimal support and stability for dental prosthetics.

During the alveoloplasty procedure, the oral surgeon or dentist carefully removes any irregularities or sharp edges from the alveolar ridge using specialized instruments. They may also perform bone reshaping by reducing or recontouring the bone in certain areas to achieve a more favorable shape and alignment.

Alveoloplasty can help improve the fit and function of dental prosthetics, such as dentures or dental implants, by creating a suitable foundation. It promotes better esthetics, stability, and comfort for the patient. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that the patient remains comfortable throughout the process.

It’s important to note that alveoloplasty is a specialized dental procedure that should only be performed by trained dental professionals, such as oral surgeons or experienced dentists. If you require alveoloplasty or have any concerns about your oral health, it is recommended to consult with a qualified dental professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

CPT & CDT codes for alveoloplasty

In the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system, the specific code for alveoloplasty is not available. n the CDT coding system, alveoloplasty is represented by below codes.

CODING FOR EXTRACTIONS WITH ALVEOLOPLASTY USING CDT CODES

Under both medical (CPT) and dental (CDT) coding, the use of local anesthesia is considered an inherent component of any surgical procedure, and is not billable separately.

D7310 – alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions –four or more teeth or tooth spaces, per quadrant is used when bone recontouring is performed involving four or more teeth or tooth spaces.
D7311 – alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions – one to three teeth or tooth spaces, per quadrant. The two codes above are used when the alveoloplasty is a distinct surgical procedure from extraction and/or surgical extractions. As such, these codes may be reported in addition to the extraction codes below when supported by documentation.
Two codes describe the anatomical area of bone encompassed in the alveoloplasty. When the area is less than four teeth or tooth areas, the code for one to three teeth or tooth spaces is used.
D7140 – extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root (elevation, and/or forcep removal). The descriptor of this code includes routine removal of tooth structure, minor smoothing of socket bone and closure as necessary.

D7210 – surgical removal of erupted tooth requiring removal of bone and/or sectioning of tooth, and including elevation of mucoperiosteal flap if indicated. (The code description also includes the minor smoothing of socket bone and closure.)

Codes D7310 and D7311 are used when the alveoloplasty is a distinct surgical procedure from extraction and/or surgical extractions.

These codes may be reported in addition to the extraction codes D7140 and D7210 when supported by documentation.

If an alveoloplasty is performed in conjunction with other separately identifiable procedures, modifier -51 has to be attached.

Read also: When to use CPT code 99214 by Medical coders.

Coding guide for Circumcision CPT codes

ICD 10 CM codes supporting alveoloplasty

ICD-10-CM diagnostic codes indicate the specific reason for performing the extraction(s):

• C03 Malignant neoplasm of gum
  • C03.0 Malignant neoplasm of upper gum
  • C03.1 Malignant neoplasm of lower gum
  • C03.9 Malignant neoplasm of gum, unspecified
• C41.1 Malignant neoplasm of mandible
• C79.89 Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites
• D10.30 Benign neoplasm of unspecified part of mouth
• D10.39 Benign neoplasm of other parts of mouth
• D16.5 Benign neoplasm of lower jaw bone
• D00 Carcinoma in situ of oral cavity, esophagus and stomach
  • D00.0 Carcinoma in situ of lip, oral cavity and pharynx
  • D00.00 Carcinoma in situ of oral cavity, unspecified site
  • D00.01 Carcinoma in situ of labial mucosa and vermilion border
  • D00.02 Carcinoma in situ of buccal mucosa
  • D00.03 Carcinoma in situ of gingiva and edentulous alveolar ridge
  • D00.04 Carcinoma in situ of soft palate
  • D00.05 Carcinoma in situ of hard palate
  • D00.06 Carcinoma in situ of floor of mouth
  • D00.07 Carcinoma in situ of tongue
  • D00.08 Carcinoma in situ of pharynx
• D37.01 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of lip
• D37.02 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of tongue
• D37.04 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of the minor salivary glands
• D37.05 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of pharynx
• K04.4 Acute apical periodontitis of pulpal origin
• K04.6 Periapical abscess with sinus
• K04.7 Periapical abscess without sinus
• K08.0 Exfoliation of teeth due to systemic causes
• K08.419 Partial loss of teeth due to trauma, unspecified class
• L03.211 Cellulitis of face
• M26.72 Alveolar mandibular hyperplasia
• M26.73 Alveolar maxillary hypoplasia
• M26.74 Alveolar mandibular hypoplasia
• M26.79 Other specified alveolar anomalies
• M27.2 Inflammatory conditions of jaws
• R22.0 Localized swelling, mass and lump, head
• R22.1 Localized swelling, mass and lump, neck
• S01.522 Laceration with foreign body of oral cavity
• S02.5 Fracture of tooth (traumatic)
• T66 Radiation sickness, unspecified