Dental Code D4261 – Billing Guide for Osseous Surgery on 1–3 Teeth

Understanding Dental Code D4261 Dental code D4261 refers to osseous surgery performed on one to three contiguous teeth or tooth-bounded spaces within a single quadrant of the mouth. This procedure is typically recommended for patients suffering from moderate to severe periodontal disease when deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing are no longer effective. During osseous surgery, gum tissue is carefully lifted to expose the underlying roots and bone. Plaque and tartar are removed, and the bone is reshaped to eliminate defects caused by periodontal disease. This process helps reduce the depth of gum pockets, allowing gum tissue to reattach more effectively and halt the progression of the disease. It also preserves the natural structure of the teeth and promotes long-term oral health. While dental code D4261 targets a smaller treatment area, D4260 is used when osseous surgery is required for four or more teeth in the same quadrant. It's crucial to use the co...