When periodontal disease progresses to the point where it results in a deformity of the alveolar bone tissue that surrounds a tooth, surgery may be performed to reshape the bone tissue into something more physiologically “correct” to enhance stability of the tooth, or as a step preceding a bone graft. This procedure could involve the removal of supporting or non-supporting bone tissue on any four teeth or bounded teeth spaces (a space created by one or more missing teeth that has a tooth on each side.) within a quadrant of the mouth.
Left alone, non-physiologic (diseased, or otherwise not “normal”, receding bone tissue causes a number of complications for future implants, prosthetics, as well as general aesthetics, and because bone height can recede to a degree where a change facial features becomes noticeable. Osseous (bone) surgery is one way to slow down or stunt this process. This code simply applies to the surgery itself, and is often used with complimentary procedures such as a bone replacement graft.
To look up and find more cdt dental codes from the American Dental Association, please visit our complete Dental Procedure Code Library.