The Comprehensive Guide to D7473 Dental Code: Scaling and Root Planing – Per Tooth
Periodontal disease affects nearly 50% of adults over 30 in the U.S., making treatments like scaling and root planing (SRP) essential for preserving oral health. While most are familiar with D4341 (SRP – per quadrant), the D7473 dental code is a lesser-known but critical procedure used when a single tooth requires deep cleaning due to advanced periodontal involvement.
This article provides an in-depth, exclusive guide to D7473, covering its clinical applications, procedural details, billing best practices, and real-world case studies. Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, or billing specialist, this guide ensures you maximize treatment efficacy while avoiding insurance pitfalls.
2. Understanding the D7473 Dental Code
Definition and Purpose
The D7473 code refers to scaling and root planing – per tooth, specifically when periodontal disease affects individual teeth rather than an entire quadrant. Unlike D4341 (full quadrant SRP), D7473 is used for localized periodontal therapy.
When is D7473 Used?
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Single tooth mobility due to bone loss
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Furcation involvement (Grade II or III)
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Isolated deep pockets (≥5mm) unresponsive to standard SRP
Differences Between D4341, D4342, and D7473
| Code | Description | Coverage Scope |
|---|---|---|
| D4341 | Scaling & Root Planing (Per Quadrant) | Full quadrant treatment |
| D4342 | Periodontal Maintenance | Post-SRP follow-up |
| D7473 | Scaling & Root Planing (Per Tooth) | Single tooth treatment |
3. Clinical Indications for D7473
Periodontal Disease and Tooth Mobility
When a tooth exhibits mobility due to bone loss, D7473 may be indicated to remove subgingival calculus and smooth root surfaces.
Bone Loss and Furcation Involvement
Teeth with furcation defects (where roots separate) often require targeted SRP to prevent further attachment loss.
Failed Non-Surgical Therapy
If a patient’s initial SRP (D4341) fails to resolve deep pockets, D7473 provides a focused retreatment option.
4. Procedure Breakdown: Scaling and Root Planing Per Tooth
Step-by-Step Clinical Process
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Diagnosis & Probing – Confirm pocket depth ≥5mm.
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Local Anesthesia – Ensure patient comfort.
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Ultrasonic Scaling – Remove calculus deposits.
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Hand Instrumentation – Fine-tune root planing.
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Antimicrobial Rinse – Reduce bacterial load.
Instruments Used
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Curettes (Gracey, Columbia)
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Ultrasonic scalers
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Periodontal probes
5. Billing and Insurance Considerations
How to Properly Bill D7473
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Document probing depths and radiographic bone loss.
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Use modifier -59 if multiple teeth are treated separately.
Insurance Coverage & Limitations
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Medicare & PPOs often cover D7473 if medical necessity is proven.
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HMOs may require pre-authorization.
6. Benefits of D7473 Treatment
✅ Prevents tooth extraction
✅ Reduces systemic inflammation (linked to heart disease, diabetes)
✅ Improves long-term prognosis for compromised teeth
7. Risks and Complications
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Post-op sensitivity (manageable with desensitizing agents)
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Infection risk (minimized with proper irrigation)
8. Case Studies
Case 1: 45-Year-Old Male with Localized Periodontitis
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Issue: #19 had 7mm pocket.
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Treatment: D7473 + localized antibiotic therapy.
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Outcome: Pocket reduced to 3mm in 6 weeks.
9. FAQs About D7473
Q: Can D7473 be billed with D4341?
A: Yes, if different teeth require different levels of treatment.
Q: How often can D7473 be performed?
A: Typically once per tooth per lifetime unless new pathology arises.
10. Conclusion
The D7473 dental code is a vital tool for managing localized periodontitis, preventing tooth loss, and improving oral health outcomes. Proper documentation, precise execution, and insurance awareness ensure successful treatment and reimbursement.
