Despite a vigilant oral care routine and regular cleanings, adult or pediatric, there are some instances where you may have to visit your dentist to address a specific dental complaint or problem. In these instances, your dentist will perform what is known as a limited oral evaluation.
 
In contrast to a comprehensive oral exam, which is recommended when visiting a new practice, or if there has been a substantial change in your health history since your most recent visit, a limited oral evaluation is designed to address an acute problem you are experiencing. This dental procedure code addresses such a visit.
 
Such issues may include:

• Oral lesion or wisdom tooth eruption
• Dental emergency
• Traumatic injury
• Acute infection

During an examination, your dentist will perform a visual search, and possibly a more detailed examination using bitewing X-rays or a 360-degree panoramic X-ray, if you are experiencing pain stemming from an area that cannot be immediately be identified.
 
Depending on the diagnosis, you may undergo treatment immediately following this evaluation, or be scheduled for a follow-up visit to further complete the necessary care routine.

To look up and find more CDT dental codes from the American Dental Association, please visit our complete Dental Procedure Code Library.