Dental Code D4240: Gingival flap procedure, including root planing - four or more contiguous teeth or tooth bounded spaces per quadrant

Dental Code D4240 refers to a specific dental procedure known as the Gingival Flap Procedure, including root planing. This procedure is performed when there are four or more contiguous teeth or tooth-bounded spaces that require treatment within a single quadrant of the mouth. 

On average, patients pay $760 for this D4240 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $440 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $1020 in more expensive cities.

Low cost of living	Medium cost of living	High cost of living
Memphis (Tennessee), Cincinnati (Ohio)	Miami (Florida), Denver (Colorado), Austin (Texas)	(New York (New York), San Francisco (California)
$440	$760	$1020

However, the price for the service D4240 depends not only on the region where you live, but also varies from dentist to dentist. Therefore, it makes sense to compare prices before choosing a dentist. The best way to do this price comparison is at Dr. BestPrice and save a lot of money. 

Dental Code D4240, the Gingival Flap Procedure, including root planing, is a periodontal treatment that aims to address gum disease and restore oral health. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth, including the gums and bone. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other complications.

Before proceeding with the Gingival Flap Procedure, the dentist will first evaluate the oral health. This assessment may involve a thorough examination of the teeth, gums, and supporting structures, as well as X-rays to assess the extent of the disease. The dentist will evaluate the number of teeth or tooth-bounded spaces affected in a single quadrant to determine if Dental Code D4240 is applicable. During this assessment, the dentist will assess the severity of gum disease by measuring the depth of the spaces between the gums and teeth. This measurement, known as periodontal probing, helps determine the extent of infection and the need for treatment.

To ensure the comfort during the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered. The dentist will inject a numbing agent near the treatment area to eliminate any pain or discomfort. Local anesthesia ensures that the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.

The next step involves creating a gingival flap. A gingival flap is a section of gum tissue that is gently lifted away from the underlying teeth and bone. The purpose of creating the flap is to gain access to the root surfaces and the underlying bone for thorough cleaning and treatment. The dentist will carefully make incisions in the gum tissue, creating a flap that can be lifted away to expose the root surfaces. This allows for better visibility and access to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the affected areas.

Root planing is an essential and meticulous component of Dental Code D4240. It involves the thorough removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the root surfaces of the affected teeth. The dentist uses specialized dental instruments, such as scalers and curettes, to scrape and smooth the root surfaces, eliminating any rough areas where bacteria tend to accumulate. During the root planing process, the dentist will carefully navigate along the root surfaces, removing deposits and smoothing them to promote better healing and prevent further plaque buildup. This process may take some time, especially if there are multiple teeth or tooth-bounded spaces involved.

In some cases, gum disease may lead to bone loss around the affected teeth. If significant bone loss has occurred, the dentist may perform a bone reshaping procedure during the gingival flap procedure. Bone reshaping involves smoothing and recontouring the bone to promote better healing and reduce the likelihood of reinfection. The dentist may use specialized instruments to reshape the bone, ensuring that the surfaces are smooth and free from irregularities that could harbor bacteria. This step is crucial for optimal healing and the prevention of further bone loss.

Once the root planing and any necessary bone reshaping are completed, the gingival flap is repositioned back into its original position and secured with sutures. Sutures help to hold the flap in place, allowing it to heal properly. The sutures used are typically dissolvable, meaning they will dissolve on their own over time. However, in some cases, the dentist may choose to use non-dissolvable sutures that will need to be removed at a later appointment.

After the procedure, the dentist will provide the patient with specific instructions on postoperative care. This may include recommendations for pain management, oral hygiene practices, and dietary restrictions. It is crucial to follow these instructions carefully to promote proper healing and prevent complications. The dentist will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress and ensure the success of the treatment. During these appointments, the dentist will assess the healing of the gums, check for any signs of infection, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Dental Code D4240, the Gingival Flap Procedure, including root planing, is a comprehensive treatment option for gum disease affecting four or more contiguous teeth or tooth-bounded spaces per quadrant. This procedure involves a series of steps to address gum disease and restore oral health.

After the procedure, the dentist will provide instructions for post operative care, including pain management, oral hygiene practices, and dietary restrictions. It is important to follow these instructions to promote proper healing.

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing progress and ensure the success of the treatment.

In summary, Dental Code D4240, the Gingival Flap Procedure, including root planing, is a comprehensive treatment for gum disease affecting four or more contiguous teeth or tooth-bounded spaces per quadrant. The procedure involves diagnosing and assessing the extent of gum disease, creating a gingival flap, performing root planing and, if necessary, bone reshaping, repositioning the flap, and providing postoperative care. It is essential to consult with a qualified dental professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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