The latest CDT dental insurance codes for night guards (occlusal guard) are broken into three different categories: For hard appliance, full arch, the code is D9944 For soft appliance, full arch, the code is D9945 For hard appliance, partial arch, the code is D9946
The current CDT codes to be used to document occlusal guards are as follows. D9944 occlusal guard – hard appliance, full arch Removable dental appliance designed to minimize the effects of bruxism or other occlusal factors. Not to be reported for any type of sleep apnea, snoring or TMD appliances.
This coverage guideline addresses occlusal guards for the protection of the dentition. Occlusal guards intended to relieve symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders, as well as Occlusal Orthotic Devices, are addressed in the related Medical Policy titled Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.
The procedure code (e.g. 8231) plus the ICD-10 code (e.g. K08.1) for the dentist’s professional service provided, on each coding line, including the line 8099. The appropriate laboratory ICD-10 code (e.g. Z46.3) for each laboratory procedure code (e.g. 9331) listed beneath 8099
Primary occlusal trauma 2017 - New Code 2018 2019 2020 2021 Billable/Specific Code K08.81 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2021 edition of ICD-10-CM K08.81 became effective on October 1, 2020.
D9946 occlusal guard – hard appliance, partial arch soft appliance is the material that contacts the occlusal surface.
Occlusal guards are also called night guards and are made from a thin but strong material in order to cushion the teeth from tooth-to-tooth contact if you unconsciously grind your teeth and clench your jaw (called bruxism ).
D9945 occlusal guard – soft appliance, full arch Removable dental appliance designed to minimize the effects of bruxism or other occlusal factors.
An occlusal guards, also known as a night guard or bite guard, come in many varieties and can be used to treat or prevent tooth, muscle, and joint problems. In its most basic form, an occlusal guard places a hard plastic barrier between your teeth, and like a cell phone cover, acts to absorb damaging forces.
An occlusal splint or orthotic device is a specially designed mouth guard for people who grind their teeth, have a history of pain and dysfunction associated with their bite or temporomandibular joints (TMJ), or have completed a full mouth reconstruction.
D9940 Occlusal guard, by report. Removable dental appliances, which are designed to minimize the effects of bruxism (grinding) and other occlusal factors.
The latest CDT dental insurance codes for night guards (occlusal guard) are broken into three different categories: For hard appliance, full arch, the code is D9944. For soft appliance, full arch, the code is D9945. For hard appliance, partial arch, the code is D9946.
Occlusal night guards are dental appliances that protect the teeth from damage done during sleep - sometimes referred to as an occlusal splint, the night guard may cover one or both rows of teeth.
A night guard is an orthodontic appliance that looks very similar to a retainer, but its function is not the same. Night guards are aligner-like trays that fit on either your upper or lower teeth to protect your teeth, gums, and jaws from the effects of teeth grinding.
The occlusal adjustment-limited code (D9951) is frequently used to identify a single-visit procedure that addresses only a specific tooth, site or quadrant. Discing, odontoplasty, and enamoplasty are the most frequent single-visit procedures.
An occlusal guard protects the teeth from an occlusal factor such as bruxism. Wearing an occlusal guard can prevent further damage such as wear or fracturing of natural teeth or crown and bridge restorations that could occur as a result of clenching and grinding. In addition an occlusal guard aids in reducing the uncomfortable, sometimes painful symptoms of bruxism.
The CDT code, D9940 was deleted from CDT code set in 2019. D9940 was a “by report” code and was broadly defined by the nomenclature, preventing dentists from accurately documenting the procedure rendered. Three codes replaced D9940 to allow for greater specificity in describing the procedure. The three current codes accurately describe the material used and whether the appliance covers a full arch or a partial arch.
Removable dental appliance designed to minimize the effects of bruxism or other occlusal factors. Provides only partial occlusal coverage such as anterior deprogrammer. Not to be reported for any type of sleep apnea, snoring or TMD appliances.
An occlusal guard may cover the entire arch or a partial arch.
It is crucial that your clinical documentation fully supports the medical necessity of an occlusal guard. Always document the condition you are treating with specificity. For example, if the diagnosis is bruxism, does it occur during sleep or non-sleep related? Are you treating excessive attrition? Be specific in your documentation as to the “why” in addition to the description of the appliance, including whether it is a soft or hard appliance and if it is a full or partial arch coverage.
Occlusal guard codes are not to be used to document and report a sleep or snoring appliance.
Specificity in documentation is key. Only the specific diagnoses documented in the clinical note may be reported. A medical plan may require prior approval when coverage is available for occlusal guards under the patient’s medical plan.
Occlusal guards are fabricated from rigid or semi rigid/soft materials to cover teeth to protect them from bruxism and clenching of teeth. They may be constructed in the dental office or by an outside laboratory. They are not for the treatment of, or therapy for diagnosed temporomandibular disorders.
Bruxism: Repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. (Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, sixth edition)