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Dental Procedure Glossary

Search selected dental procedure identifiers and independently written plain-language summaries without reproducing a complete licensed code set.

These plain-language summaries were written for this site. This is not a complete coding manual and does not reproduce official procedure nomenclature, submission rules, or coverage criteria.

  • D0150

    Comprehensive dental exam

    For a new or established patient. Imaging is separate.

  • D0210

    Full-mouth X-ray series

    A comprehensive series of intraoral images.

  • D1110

    Adult routine cleaning

    Periodontal deep cleaning is reported separately.

  • D2391

    One-surface posterior filling

    One surface of a back tooth.

  • D3310

    Root canal on a front tooth

    The final restoration is separate.

  • D3320

    Root canal on a premolar

    The final restoration is separate.

  • D3330

    Root canal on a molar

    The final restoration is separate.

  • D2740

    Porcelain or ceramic crown

    Coverage criteria and authorization requirements may apply.

  • D7140

    Simple tooth extraction

    Surgical extraction is reported separately.

  • D6010

    Surgical implant placement

    The schedule does not publish a fixed maximum.

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Using the estimate

What this tool can tell you

The glossary explains a selected group of common dental procedures in plain language. It helps staff and patients orient themselves to a treatment estimate, but it is not a complete coding manual or a substitute for current payer and submission guidance.

Step-by-step guide

Use the glossary as an orientation aid

Step 1

Search by identifier or plain language

Find a selected entry using the procedure identifier or a familiar treatment term. The results are intentionally limited to procedures supported by the published reference data used by these tools.

Step 2

Read the practical note

The note explains the broad kind of service in independent language. It does not reproduce official nomenclature or decide which identifier belongs on a claim.

Step 3

Confirm against current materials

For billing, documentation, or coverage decisions, use the current code materials and payer instructions available to the dental office. A patient's treatment plan should also be confirmed with the treating dentist.

Common questions

Questions about this tool

Is this a complete CDT code lookup?
No. The glossary covers only selected procedures and does not reproduce the ADA's complete code set, official nomenclature, descriptors, or coding guidance.
Can a plain-language label determine the correct claim code?
No. Similar treatments can use different identifiers based on anatomy, materials, technique, and documentation. The treating office is responsible for selecting the code that accurately reports the service.
Does a procedure identifier mean the service is covered?
No. Coverage depends on the patient's plan or public program, eligibility, limitations, documentation, frequency rules, and other criteria.