Insurance forms can be confusing — especially when they include cryptic combinations of letters and numbers. At Jones Creek Family Dentistry in Baton Rouge, we use CDT codes (Current Dental Terminology codes) to clearly communicate with your dental insurance provider about the care you receive.
But these aren’t just numbers for paperwork — they help determine what your insurance covers and what your out-of-pocket costs might be. Let’s walk through some of the most commonly used CDT codes — what they mean, when they’re used, and how they apply to your dental health.
Preventive Visits: Exams, Cleanings, and Fluoride
- D0120 – Periodic Oral Evaluation: A routine check-up exam, typically every six months.
- D0150 – Comprehensive Oral Evaluation: Used for new patients or those returning after a long lapse.
- D1110 – Prophylaxis (Adult Cleaning): Routine cleaning for adults without gum disease.
- D1120 – Prophylaxis (Child Cleaning): Preventive cleaning for children.
- D1206 / D1208 – Fluoride Treatments: Strengthens enamel; D1206 is varnish, D1208 is gel or foam.
- D1351 – Dental Sealants: Protective layer on back teeth to prevent cavities, usually for children.
X-Rays: Visualizing the Unseen
- D0274 – Bitewing X-rays (Four Films): Shows decay between back teeth.
- D0220 – Periapical First Film: Focused X-ray of a specific tooth and root.
- D0230 – Additional Periapical Films: Additional images beyond the first periapical.
- D0330 – Panoramic X-ray: Full mouth view — often used for wisdom teeth or implant planning.
Beyond Routine Cleanings: Inflammation and Gum Health
- D4346 – Scaling in Presence of Gingival Inflammation: Used when significant gum inflammation is present, but no bone loss.
- D4341 – Scaling and Root Planing (Per Quadrant): Deep cleaning for periodontal disease affecting the bone.
- D4910 – Periodontal Maintenance: Ongoing specialized cleaning after gum disease treatment.
When a Tooth Needs Repair: Fillings, Crowns, and More
- D2391 – Composite Filling (One Surface): Tooth-colored filling for small cavities.
- D2392 – Composite Filling (Two Surfaces): More extensive filling involving two areas of a tooth.
- D2740 – Crown (All-Ceramic): Tooth-colored crown, often used on front teeth.
- D2750 – Crown (Porcelain Fused to Metal): Durable crown used on back teeth, combining metal and porcelain.
Root Canal Therapy: Saving the Natural Tooth
- D3310 – Root Canal (Anterior): For front teeth.
- D3320 – Root Canal (Premolar): For bicuspid teeth.
- D3330 – Root Canal (Molar): For back molars; typically the most complex.
Tooth Replacement: Dentures and Implants
- D5110 / D5120 – Complete Dentures (Upper / Lower): For full-arch tooth replacement.
- D5211 / D5212 – Partial Dentures (Upper / Lower): For patients who still have some natural teeth.
- D6010 – Surgical Placement of Dental Implant: Placement of the implant post into the jawbone.
- D6057 – Custom Abutment: Connector between implant and crown/denture.
- D6058 – Implant-Supported Crown: Final crown placed on top of the implant and abutment.
Understanding CDT Codes at Jones Creek Family Dentistry
Understanding CDT codes might not be necessary for your everyday routine — but they’re crucial when it comes to your care, insurance coverage, and peace of mind. At Jones Creek Family Dentistry in Baton Rouge, we make sure your treatment is accurately documented and submitted, and we’re always happy to explain what any code means or how it applies to your situation.
Whether it’s a simple checkup or a multi-step treatment plan, we’re here to make the process transparent and stress-free. If you ever have questions about what a code means or what your insurance will cover, just give us a call — we’re here to help.
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