Coding with Kyle: D7960—Frenectomy

NEW CODE ALERT:

D7961–Buccal/Labial Frenectomy

D7962–Lingual Frenectomy

• Submitting a claim with x-rays is not enough to facilitate coverage and payment.
• This code should be applied only when the procedure involves removing a patient’s frenum.
• Dental insurance companies will refer to the patient’s plan limitations and exclusions when considering the dental claim.
• This procedure is limited to once per lifetime, per tooth.
• If reporting a connective tissue graft or pedicle graft on the same visit as the frenectomy, the frenectomy will be considered inclusive and no additional payment will be made.
• A narrative should be included indicating the following:

        - Amount of gingival recession in millimeters

        - The severity of gingival inflammation

        - The level of sensitivity

        - Bleeding on probing

• Pre-op and Post-op x-rays must always accompany the claim form; in addition, periodontal charting should be included.