Dental Code D9951: Occlusal adjustment - limited

Dental Code D9951, also known as "occlusal adjustment - limited," refers to a specific dental procedure performed by a professional to address issues with the way a patient's teeth come together, or their "occlusion." This adjustment is considered a limited procedure, as it focuses on making minor corrections to the patient's bite, rather than a more comprehensive adjustment.

The term "occlusal" refers to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, while "adjustment" indicates that the dentist will make subtle changes to improve the way these surfaces interact. The "limited" aspect of this code signifies that the adjustments are relatively minor, typically involving just a few teeth, rather than a full overhaul of the patient's bite.

The primary purpose of Dental Code D9951, occlusal adjustment - limited, is to correct small imbalances or irregularities in a patient's bite. This can be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as:

Tooth Wear and Damage
Over time, normal use and grinding of the teeth can lead to uneven wear patterns, causing the bite to become misaligned. This can result in discomfort, increased risk of tooth damage, and other oral health issues.

Restorative Dental Work
When a patient undergoes procedures like fillings, crowns, or other restorative work, the new materials added to the tooth can subtly change the way the bite fits together. Occlusal adjustment helps ensure a proper, comfortable fit.

Orthodontic Treatment
Even after successful orthodontic treatment to straighten the teeth, minor adjustments may be necessary to ensure the bite is properly aligned and functioning correctly.

On average, patients pay $200 for this D9951 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $100 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $250 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)
$100	$200	$250

However, the price for the service D9951 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. 

The dentist will thoroughly examine the patient's bite, using tools like articulating paper to identify areas of the teeth that are making premature or excessive contact during chewing. This examination will help the dentist pinpoint the specific teeth or areas that need adjustment. The dentist will also assess the overall health and condition of the patient's teeth, gums, and jaw joint. Any existing dental work, such as fillings or crowns, will be evaluated to ensure they are not contributing to the bite issues. The evaluation may also include taking impressions, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests to get a comprehensive understanding of the patient's occlusal problems.

The dentist will carefully remove small amounts of tooth enamel from the identified areas, using specialized instruments like high-speed handpieces and abrasive discs. This is done to reshape the tooth surfaces and achieve a more balanced, even bite. The dentist will take great care to remove only the minimal amount of tooth structure necessary, as preserving the natural tooth is a priority. The tooth preparation will be done in a precise and controlled manner, ensuring the reshaping is done evenly and symmetrically across the affected teeth. The dentist may use a special articulating paper or marking paste to help visualize the areas that need to be adjusted.

After reshaping the teeth, the dentist will have the patient bite down on articulating paper again to ensure the bite is properly aligned. They may make additional minor adjustments as needed to achieve the optimal occlusal balance. The dentist will carefully monitor the patient's bite during this process, making any necessary refinements until the desired result is achieved. This step is crucial, as it ensures the patient will be able to chew comfortably and efficiently after the procedure. The dentist may also use a bite registration material to capture the patient's bite in its corrected position. The dentist will work closely with the patient, asking for feedback and adjusting the bite until the patient reports a comfortable and natural-feeling occlusion. Any changes made during this step will be meticulously documented.

Finally, the dentist will polish the adjusted tooth surfaces to create a smooth, comfortable finish. This polishing step helps to remove any rough or uneven areas, ensuring the patient's bite feels natural and comfortable. Throughout this process, the dentist will take great care to remove only the minimal amount of tooth structure necessary to achieve the desired occlusal balance. The goal is to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible while correcting the bite, minimizing the impact on the overall dental health of the patient. The polishing may be done using a series of increasingly finer abrasive polishing tools to achieve a high-quality, glossy finish. The dentist will use specialized polishing instruments and techniques to ensure the adjusted tooth surfaces are perfectly smooth and blended with the surrounding teeth. The final step may involve applying a protective sealant or fluoride treatment to the polished surfaces.

Dental Code D9951, occlusal adjustment - limited, is a specialized procedure performed by dentists to address minor imbalances or irregularities in a patient's bite. By carefully reshaping and adjusting the chewing surfaces of the teeth, dentists can improve the way the bite functions, reduce the risk of tooth damage and other oral health issues, and ensure the patient's comfort and satisfaction with their smile. While a "limited" procedure, it requires a high degree of skill and attention to detail to execute successfully.

Dr.BestPrice - Because everyone deserves a brilliant smile without the hefty bill.