D7310Alveoloplasty in Conjunction With Extractions - Four or More Teeth or Tooth Spaces, Per Quadrant

What This Code Covers

D7310 covers the surgical reshaping (alveoloplasty) of the alveolar ridge bone in conjunction with the extraction of four or more teeth in a single quadrant. After teeth are extracted, the remaining bone ridge often has sharp edges, bony spicules, or an irregular contour that would make denture fitting uncomfortable. Alveoloplasty smooths and contours the ridge to create a better foundation for a denture or other prosthesis.

Billing Guide

Bill this code when:

• Alveoloplasty is performed at the time of extraction of four or more teeth in one quadrant
• The bone ridge is surgically recontoured and smoothed after the extractions
• The procedure prepares the ridge for a denture or other prosthesis
• Significant bone recontouring is needed beyond what is routine with extraction

Do not bill this code when:

• Fewer than four teeth are extracted in the quadrant. Use D7311 for one to three teeth
• The alveoloplasty is performed without extraction (on a healed ridge). Use D7320 or D7321
• Routine socket smoothing after a single extraction is performed (included in extraction code)
• No significant bone recontouring is needed

Insurance and Denial Prevention

Key Payer Rules:

• D7310 is billed per quadrant in addition to the extraction codes
• Most payers cover alveoloplasty when performed with extractions
• The procedure must involve significant bone recontouring, not just routine socket cleaning
• Some payers bundle alveoloplasty with the extraction and deny the separate code

Common Denials and How to Respond:

• Bundled with extractions - Appeal with documentation that significant bone recontouring was performed beyond routine extraction. Describe the ridge irregularity and the recontouring technique.
• Not medically necessary - Document the specific ridge irregularities (sharp edges, bony undercuts) that required surgical smoothing for prosthesis fabrication.
• Wrong tooth count - Verify four or more teeth were extracted in the quadrant. If fewer, use D7311.