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# Understanding the Significance of D7953: Bone Replacement Graft for Ridge Preservation

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- November 29, 2024

In the modern times, we cannot deny the significance of oral health. A white, bright, and healthy smile not only boosts your confidence but is also essential for overall well-being. So, investing in dental and oral procedures like ridge preservation is always worth it.

## What is Ridge Preservation?

It is a standard dental procedure performed after tooth extraction. It helps to protect the shape and volume of the alveolar ridge and reduce bone loss. The alveolar or bony ridge is the area of the jawbone that holds the teeth upright. Dentists use the dental code D7953 when the need for ridge preservation arises.

## D7953 Dental code

D7953 is a CDT code that holds a significant place when it comes to protecting and maintaining the integrity of the alveolar/dental ridge. The procedure involves the usage of a bone replacement graft to fill the extraction socket and stimulate new bone formation in the exact region.

## Why Opt for Ridge Preservation?

The process is necessary after a tooth is extracted. It hampers the natural shrinkage or resorption of the bone. Moreover, it preserves bone volume, which helps with future dental procedures like dental implant placement and preserving facial aesthetics.

Simply put, bone grafting becomes essential if a patient doesn’t have enough amount of healthy bone to support the dental implant. There are multiple reasons why a patient experiences bone loss. These are:

- Gum disease
- Face injury or trauma
- Empty space after teeth removal
- Developmental issues

## Confusion for Dentists/Oral Surgeons

Based on specific situations, multiple CDT codes are used for bone grafting, leading to confusion for dental specialists. This confusion or complexity often results in errors in coding, and you could eventually end up with denied claims and even penalties.

## The Perfect Solution

To avoid complications, denials, and penalties, it is important to hand over the coding process to professional coders who’re knowledgeable in CDT codes and correct use cases for D7953. Apex Dental RCM is the ideal option for you if you’re searching for talented, skillful, and certified coders.

Our experience and expertise in complicated coding help us navigate the complex landscape of dental coding. We’ll empower you and elevate your dental practice by managing dental coding on your behalf.

Let’s now take you through the application and importance of D7953 in dentistry and talk about some related codes.

## D7953: Bone Replacement Graft for Ridge Preservation – per site

When a patient doesn’t have enough amount of naturally healthy or strong bone in their oral cavity, the dentist recommends bone grafting. They do it because it helps to protect the shape and volume of the alveolar ridge to support dental implants.

The primary purpose of bone grafting is to surgically rebuild/redevelop the lost bone by transplanting bone tissue that helps in its regrowth. The medical classification for this growth/support procedure while creating claims in D7953.

## Purpose of CDT D7953

While bone grafting helps strengthen the alveolar/bony ridge for teeth implants, remember that this code doesn’t require any material acquisition. It is only required by dental professionals and insurance providers.

This code helps them communicate about performing bone replacement grafts to patients and the insurance company. And that they should be reimbursed for this service.

## Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

CDT 7953 for ridge preservation comes under the umbrella of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and describes many dental procedures like:

### Extractions

The extraction process entails administering local anesthesia, suturing (if required), and standard postoperative care.

### Surgical Extractions

Extractions entail conducting local anesthesia, suturing (if required), and standard postoperative care. However, it is required for complex extractions.

### Other Surgical Procedures

This category includes many surgical interventions in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

### Removal of Tumors, Cysts and Neoplasms

This category consists of surgical excision procedures to stop the growth of tumors, cysts, and neoplasms located within the bone.

## Clinical information regarding D7953

After tooth extraction, the alveolar or bony ridge may see considerable resorption, which could result in complications when going for dental implants or prosthodontic work in the future.

The treatment procedure entails the placement of one’s own bone, i.e., autograft, placing the bone of a donor, i.e., allograft, or a third option known as a non-osseous graft into the socket after dental implant removal or tooth extraction.

The purpose of bone grafting is to protect and preserve the natural condition of the bony ridge. Especially when the patient wants an implant in the future or when there’s a need to maintain the alveolar contour for prosthetic reconstruction.

Dentists use bone replacement grafts to ensure that the patient’s jaw doesn’t lose shape and density. It also serves as a foundation for future dental implants.

## D7953 Coding Guidelines

The following are a few essential coding guidelines for dental specialists to remember.

### Precise documentation

Correct documentation of ridge preservation is very important. It encompasses complete record(s) of the tooth extraction process, the condition of the area, and whether ridge preservation is necessary to protect bone volume.

### Coverage Checking

Before initiating the process, dental professionals must check to verify the coverage and inform the patient prior to the procedure in case of out-of-pocket expenses.

### Accurate Use of D7953 code

The only reason to use D7953 is when the dentist thinks that performing ridge preservation for a bone replacement graft is necessary. It shouldn’t be used for processes like routine extractions or socket preservation without grafting.

### Description of Materials Used

The record must include the source and type of the bone replacement graft material. Usually, dentists opt for allografts, autografts, and synthetic graft materials. This information is considered essential for correct coding and payment processing.

### Correct Use of Modifier

Modifiers are used to clarify the dental procedure further. For instance, dentists may use -59 to point out that ridge preservation is a separate procedure from tooth extraction.

### Consultation and Consent

Dental specialists must inform and get consent from the patient before initiating the process. During the consultation, they must explain the purpose of the procedure, outcomes, and risks associated with the treatment.

## Codes Similar to D7953 Bone Replacement Graft

There are various other dental codes similar to CDT D7953 Bone Replacement Graft for Ridge Preservation. Dentists/oral surgeons and their staff must know when to report the exact code required, i.e., for bone graft or any other related procedure.

As a dental specialist on in-house staff, you must be aware of which code is dependent on the main treatment provided at the same visit.

D7210: Extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root

D7950: Removal of residual tooth roots (cutting procedure)

D4265: Biologic Material Use to aid in soft and osseous tissue generation

D4263: Bone replacement graft – retained natural tooth – first site in quadrant

D4264: Bone replacement graft – retained natural tooth – each additional site in quadrant

D6102: Debridement and osseous contouring of a peri-implant defect(s) surrounding a single implant and includes surface cleaning

D6103: Bone graft for repair of peri-implant defect – does not include flap entry and closure

D6104: Bone graft at the time of implant placement

D7953: Bone replacement graft for ridge preservation – per site

D7951: Sinus augmentation with bone (substitutes) via a lateral open approach

D7952: Sinus augmentation via a vertical approach

D4266: Guided tissue regeneration – resorbable barrier, per site

## Coding Your Way Towards Success

If you’re facing any challenges in using accurate codes, like D7953, in insurance claims, you need expert help to code your way toward financial and operational success. The right help is available at Apex Dental RCM. We’re a leading dental billing company, adept at the latest billing guidelines and intricacies of coding for billing purposes.

We have a highly experienced and certified team of coders who’re masters of dental billing, employing insider techniques to maximize reimbursements for your practice. All that by ensuring strict compliance with industry regulations. We use cutting-edge technology to optimize your billing, eliminate errors, manage denials, and enhance efficiency.

Get in touch if you want specialized help regarding D7953.

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