Understanding Dental Code D7310

When to Use D7310 dental code

The D7310 dental code is used to report alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions—a procedure where the alveolar ridge is surgically reshaped at the same time as tooth removal in a quadrant. This code is appropriate when the dentist performs additional bone contouring beyond what is typically required for simple extractions, to ensure optimal healing or future prosthetic placement. It should not be used for routine smoothing that occurs as part of a standard extraction. Instead, D7310 is reserved for cases where significant recontouring is necessary to correct irregularities or prepare the ridge for dentures or other restorations.

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Accurate documentation is crucial when billing D7310. Clinical notes should clearly describe the extent of the alveoloplasty, the number of teeth extracted, and the specific reasons for the additional bone reduction. Include pre- and post-operative radiographs, intraoral photos, and detailed narratives explaining why standard extraction codes were insufficient. Common scenarios for D7310 include:

• Preparing a severely irregular ridge for immediate denture placement.
• Addressing sharp bony projections or undercuts that would impede healing or prosthesis fit.
• Managing cases where multiple adjacent teeth are extracted and the ridge requires significant reshaping.

Remember, if alveoloplasty is performed in a separate area from the extractions, D7320 (alveoloplasty not in conjunction with extractions) may be more appropriate.

Insurance Billing Tips

To maximize reimbursement and reduce denials for D7310, follow these best practices:

• Verify coverage: Before treatment, confirm with the patient’s insurance if D7310 is a covered benefit and if pre-authorization is required.
• Submit comprehensive documentation: Attach clinical notes, radiographs, and a clear narrative with your claim. Highlight why alveoloplasty was medically necessary beyond routine extraction.
• Use correct coding: Ensure you are not double-billing for procedures included in the extraction fee. D7310 should only be billed when extra bone reduction is performed in the same quadrant as the extractions.
• Appeal denials: If an EOB denies D7310 as “inclusive” or “not separately reimbursable,” submit an appeal with additional documentation and a detailed explanation of the medical necessity.

Staying proactive with insurance verification and thorough documentation will help your accounts receivable (AR) stay healthy and minimize claim delays.

Example Case for D7310

Consider a patient scheduled for extraction of teeth #18, #19, and #20, with plans for an immediate lower partial denture. During the procedure, the dentist identifies sharp bony ridges and undercuts that would interfere with denture fit and healing. After the extractions, the dentist performs significant alveoloplasty in the same quadrant to smooth the ridge and create a stable foundation for the prosthesis. In this scenario, D7310 is the appropriate code to report the additional surgical service. The clinical documentation should include:

• Pre-operative radiographs and intraoral photos showing the ridge irregularities.
• Detailed narrative describing the extent and reason for the alveoloplasty.
• Post-operative images demonstrating the improved ridge contour.

By following these steps, the dental team ensures accurate coding, supports the claim with robust documentation, and increases the likelihood of successful insurance reimbursement.