Code Tip: D4346

D4346 Scaling in the Presence of generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation—full mouth, after oral evaluation.  D4346 is a therapeutic service and must be performed after an evaluation by the dentist, typically on the same day to get insurance benefits.  The diagnosis must include generalized moderate to severe gingival inflammation (gingivitis) in the absence of bone loss.   If the patient has attachment loss (bone loss) showing in the radiographs, D4341 or D4342 may be indicated.  

Do not use this code to describe a “difficult prophy”.  A difficult prophy is a D1110 that takes longer that a regular schedule hygiene visit and sometimes the patient has to be appointed for another visit to complete the removal of heavy build-up and stain.

Dental Billing Tips and News for Pros; Edition #137