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Every Jan. 1, any changes to the CDT codes made by the American Dental Association’s Code Maintenance Committee become effective. There were no changes made to the Periodontics category this year, but there have been changes in other areas that a periodontal office will be using on a regular basis.  

In the Implant Services category, there have been several changes. Through an addition and a revision, maintenance of hybrid protheses is more specific as to what type of procedure is being performed. One is used when the prothesis is removed; the other when the prothesis is not removed. The procedure becomes more involved when removal and reseating the hybrid as well as cleansing the exposed implants. Distinguishing between these two will better describe the procedure being performed.  

Implant Services 
The following code is a new addition:    
D6180 implant maintenance procedures when a full arch fixed hybrid prothesis is not removed, including cleansing of the prosthesis and abutments. 
This procedure includes active debriding of the implant(s) and prothesis. The patient is also instructed in thorough daily maintenance of the implant(s).  

The following code is a revision of the existing code: 
D6080 implant maintenance procedures when a full arch fixed hybrid prosthesis is removed and reinserted, including cleansing of the prosthesis and abutments.  
This procedure includes active debriding of the implant(s) and examination of all aspects of the implant system(s), including the occlusion and stability of the superstructure. The patient is also instructed in thorough daily cleansing of the implant(s).  

Also in the Implant Services category, there is one other addition and several revisions. 
The following code is a new addition:  
D6193 replacement of an implant screw.  

The following codes are revisions of existing codes:  
D6011 surgical access to an implant body (second stage implant surgery) 
This procedure, also known as second stage implant surgery, involves removal of tissue that covers the implant body so that a fixture of any type can be placed.  
D6081 scaling and debridement of a single implant in the presence of mucositis, including inflammation, bleeding upon probing and increased pocket depths includes cleaning of the implant surfaces, without flap entry and closure.  
This procedure is not performed in conjunction with D1110, D4910, or D4346 
D6090 repair of implant/ abutment supported prosthesis. 

Also, code D6095 repair implant abutment, by report, was removed from the code set. 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery category also has changes to note. The AAP submitted a request for a new code which describes the partial extraction technique for implant placement. It was accepted but was placed in the oral surgery category as a new code. A second addition is a code for nerve dissection.  

The following codes are new additions: 
D7252 partial extraction for immediate implant placement  
Sectioning the root of a tooth vertically, then extracting the palatal portion of the root. The buccal section of the root is retained to stabilize the buccal plate prior to immediate implant placement. Also known as the Socket Shield Technique.  
D7259 nerve dissection 
Involves the separation or isolation of a nerve from surrounding tissues. Performed to gain access to and protect nerves during surgical procedures.  

There are other codes changes in various categories that you need to be aware of. These include: 

Restorative 

The following code is a revision of the existing code: 
D2940 placement of interim direct restoration 
Direct placement of restorative material to protect tooth and/or tissue form. This procedure may be used to relieve pain, promote healing, manage caries, create a seal for endodontic isolation, or prevent further deterioration until definitive treatment can be rendered. Not to be used for endodontic access closure, or as a base or liner under restoration. 

Adjunctive General Services 
The following codes are new additions:  
D9913 administration of neuromodulators 
D9914 administration of dermal fillers 

Sleep Apnea Services 
The following code is a new addition: 
D9959 unspecified sleep apnea services procedure, by report 

“Sleep related breathing disorders” was also added to the descriptor for D0160 detailed and extensive oral evaluation – problem focused, by report. 

It is important to be familiar with changes to CDT, and it’s highly recommended to buy the CDT 2025 book as well as the Coding Companion, published by the ADA. The Coding Companion has excellent scenarios and FAQs to help ensure correct coding. The AAP’s Third-Party Specialist is also available to answer any questions you might have.