Dental Code D4261: Osseous surgery (including elevation of a full thickness flap and closure) – one to three contiguous teeth or tooth bounded spaces per quadrant

Dental Code D4261 refers to osseous surgery, a dental procedure aimed at addressing gum diseases that affect one to three adjacent teeth or tooth-bounded spaces within a single quadrant of the mouth. This specific code indicates the elevation of a full thickness flap and its subsequent closure during the surgical process. Osseous surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing, have proven ineffective in resolving periodontal conditions.

On average, patients pay $715 for this D4261 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $560 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $1200 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)
$560	$715	$1200

However, the price for the service D4261 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. 

Osseous surgery is a specialized surgical procedure performed by a periodontist, a dental specialist who focuses on treating gum diseases and the supporting structures of the teeth. The surgery consists of several distinct steps, each serving a specific purpose. Let's explore these steps in detail.

Before initiating osseous surgery, a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of the patient's periodontal condition are conducted. The periodontist examines the affected area, evaluates the severity of gum disease, measures the depth of periodontal pockets, and may request X-rays to assess the bone level surrounding the teeth. This assessment helps the periodontist determine the extent of the disease and plan the surgical intervention accordingly.

To ensure patient comfort during the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area being treated. Local anesthesia blocks the transmission of pain signals from the nerves, preventing the patient from experiencing pain or discomfort throughout the surgery.

The periodontist carefully creates an incision in the gum tissue near the affected teeth, enabling the elevation of a full thickness flap. This flap, consisting of both the outer gum tissue and the inner lining, is gently lifted, providing unhindered access to the underlying tooth roots and the surrounding bone. By raising the flap, the periodontist gains visibility and access to the diseased area.

Once the flap is raised, the periodontist employs specialized instruments to meticulously remove infected gum tissue and gain access to the underlying bone. In cases where gum disease has caused bone damage, it may be necessary to reshape or eliminate a portion of the bone to eliminate irregularities and create a smooth surface. This process, known as osseous recontouring or osteoplasty, is crucial for promoting optimal healing and reducing the risk of reinfection.

During osseous surgery, a critical step involves thorough cleaning of the tooth roots through a procedure known as scaling and root planing. The periodontist employs specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers and curettes, to meticulously remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the root surfaces. This meticulous cleaning is essential for eliminating the sources of infection and promoting the healing process. Scaling involves the removal of calculus (hardened plaque) and debris from the tooth surfaces, while root planing smooths the root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to adhere and allowing the gum tissues to reattach to the roots.

Following the cleaning and bone reshaping procedures, the flap is repositioned and sutured back into place. The sutures aid in stabilizing the flap and promoting proper healing. Depending on the case, dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures may be used. The periodontist ensures that the sutures are placed precisely to promote optimal healing and minimize discomfort for the patient. Sutured flaps provide coverage and protection to the underlying bone and promote the reattachment of the gum tissues.

After osseous surgery, the periodontist provides specific instructions for postoperative care to support the healing process. Patients are typically advised to take prescribed pain medications as needed, follow a soft diet for a few days, and avoid activities that can put excessive stress on the surgical area. Additionally, maintaining proper oral hygiene practices, such as gentle brushing and rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash, is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Dental Code D4261 represents osseous surgery, a surgical procedure performed by a periodontist to treat gum diseases affecting one to three adjacent teeth or tooth-bounded spaces within a single quadrant. The procedure encompasses various steps, including evaluation and diagnosis, local anesthesia administration, flap elevation, bone reshaping, removal of infected tissue, scaling and root planing, suturing, and postoperative care. By addressing periodontal pockets, promoting gum and bone healing, and eliminating sources of infection, osseous surgery aims to arrest the progression of gum disease and restore oral health. 

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