How To Use CPT Code 41874

CPT 41874 describes the procedure known as alveoloplasty, which is performed prior to the placement of a dental prosthesis. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 41874?

CPT 41874 is used to describe the alveoloplasty procedure, which is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon before placing a dental prosthesis. This procedure involves smoothing the irregular and sharp edges of the dental alveolus, also known as the alveolar process or alveolar bone, to ensure a proper fit and comfort for the patient’s dentures. Alveoloplasty may also be performed if the alveolar process has become deformed due to periodontal disease.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 41874 is: ‘Alveoloplasty, each quadrant (specify).’ This code is used to report the procedure of smoothing the bone contours of the alveolar process in each quadrant of the mouth. It is important to specify the quadrants involved in the procedure when reporting this code.

3. Procedure

1. The dentist or oral surgeon accesses the alveolus through incisions in the oral mucosa above the bone.
2. The bone contours of the alveolar process are then smoothed using files, drills, or other instruments, such as an osteotome.
3. After achieving the desired contour, the incisions are closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 41874 is performed in qualifying circumstances where the patient requires a dental prosthesis and the alveolar process needs to be smoothed for proper fitting. This procedure is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It is important to note that alveoloplasty is not performed for closure of lacerations (see CPT codes 40830 and 40831), segmental osteotomy (use CPT code 21206), or reduction of fractures (see CPT codes 21421-21490).

5. When to use CPT code 41874

CPT code 41874 should be used when a dentist or oral surgeon performs alveoloplasty in each quadrant of the mouth to facilitate the placement of a dental prosthesis. It is important to specify the quadrants involved in the procedure when reporting this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 41874, the dentist or oral surgeon must document the following information:

• Reason for performing alveoloplasty, such as the need for a dental prosthesis or deformity due to periodontal disease
• Quadrants involved in the procedure
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the instruments used and any complications encountered
• Signature of the dentist or oral surgeon performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 41874, ensure that the procedure is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and involves alveoloplasty in each quadrant of the mouth. It is important to specify the quadrants involved in the procedure. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 41874 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 41874 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A dentist performing alveoloplasty in the upper left quadrant of the mouth to prepare for the placement of a dental prosthesis.
2. An oral surgeon smoothing the bone contours of the alveolar process in the lower right quadrant of the mouth to improve the fit of dentures.
3. A dentist performing alveoloplasty in the upper and lower anterior quadrants of the mouth to correct deformities caused by periodontal disease.
4. An oral surgeon performing alveoloplasty in all four quadrants of the mouth to ensure proper fitting of a full set of dentures.
5. A dentist performing alveoloplasty in the upper right quadrant of the mouth to prepare for the placement of a dental bridge.
6. An oral surgeon smoothing the bone contours of the alveolar process in the lower left quadrant of the mouth to improve the stability of dental implants.
7. A dentist performing alveoloplasty in the upper and lower posterior quadrants of the mouth to correct irregularities before placing partial dentures.
8. An oral surgeon performing alveoloplasty in the upper left and lower right quadrants of the mouth to prepare for the placement of a full-mouth dental implant restoration.
9. A dentist performing alveoloplasty in the upper and lower right quadrants of the mouth to correct deformities caused by trauma.
10. An oral surgeon smoothing the bone contours of the alveolar process in the upper left and lower right quadrants of the mouth to improve the fit of a removable partial denture.