D7270 dental code: tooth reimplantation after avulsion.

D7270 is the CDT code for reimplantation and/or stabilization of an accidentally avulsed or displaced tooth. The code covers repositioning the tooth back into its socket and splinting it to adjacent teeth to support healing. It applies to traumatic incidents only, not to intentional extractions.

Last updated June 2026 ยท Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team

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Code
D7270
Category
Oral Surgery
Includes
Splint/Stabilization
Etiology
Trauma Only

When to use D7270

Use D7270 when a tooth has been accidentally knocked out (avulsed) or displaced from its socket and you reimplant it and stabilize it. The key word is "accidentally." This code requires a traumatic etiology. The tooth was in the right place, something happened, and now you're putting it back.

Scenario 1: Dental avulsion from trauma. A patient takes a hit during sports, a fall, or another accident and the tooth is completely knocked out. You reimplant it into the socket and place a flexible splint to adjacent teeth. Bill D7270 once per reimplanted tooth.

Scenario 2: Luxation or displacement. The tooth is still partially in the socket but has been displaced laterally, intruded, or extruded. You reposition it and stabilize with a splint. D7270 covers this scenario as well, since the descriptor includes "displaced tooth."

Do NOT use D7270 for: Transplanting a tooth to a different site in the mouth (use D7271). Intentional replantation after root surgery (use D7270 only if truly accidental). Repositioning after orthodontic overeruption without trauma. Any procedure that was planned rather than emergency response to accidental injury.

Why D7270 claims get denied

No documentation of traumatic incident

Payers need to confirm this was accidental, not elective. Your clinical notes must describe the incident clearly: date and time of injury, how it happened, which tooth was affected, and the condition of the tooth and socket on arrival. "Patient presented with avulsed tooth" is not enough. Document the story.

Missing pre-treatment radiograph

A periapical radiograph taken before reimplantation is baseline documentation. It confirms the tooth was in the correct socket, shows the extent of injury to the surrounding bone, and establishes the pre-treatment baseline for follow-up comparison. Many denials cite missing or inadequate radiographic records.

Benefit exclusion for trauma

Some dental plans specifically exclude trauma-related procedures, directing those claims to medical insurance instead. If the patient has medical coverage, cross-billing to the medical plan under the appropriate ICD-10 and CPT codes may produce better results than the dental claim alone. Check the patient's EOB language before resubmitting.

Bundling with separate splint codes

D7270 includes stabilization by definition. Billing a separate splint or stabilization code alongside D7270 for the same tooth on the same date triggers a bundling denial. The stabilization is part of D7270, not an add-on service.

Documentation checklist for D7270

Incident description

Date and time of the traumatic event, mechanism of injury, and which tooth was avulsed or displaced. Document what the patient or guardian reported happened. This establishes the accidental nature required for coverage.

Pre-treatment periapical radiograph

X-ray taken at the emergency visit confirming tooth position and socket condition before reimplantation. Required by most payers. Without it, there is no baseline to justify the procedure.

Clinical findings at presentation

Document the condition of the avulsed tooth (extra-oral dry time if relevant), socket condition, soft tissue injury, and any associated alveolar bone fracture. More detail means a stronger claim.

Splint type and teeth involved

Note the type of splint placed (flexible wire-composite, Essix-type, or other) and which teeth were included in the stabilization. Include the splint in the clinical note, not as a separate billable item.

Post-treatment radiograph

Confirms the tooth is properly seated after reimplantation. Payers increasingly expect a post-op image for trauma cases. Include this in the claim or keep it available for appeal.

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Related oral surgery codes

D7271 Tooth transplantation, including reimplantation from one site to another and splinting/stabilization
D7140 Extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root (simple)
D7210 Surgical extraction of erupted tooth
D9110 Palliative (emergency) treatment of dental pain (per visit)
D9310 Consultation, diagnostic service provided by dentist other than requesting dentist
D7510 Incision and drainage of abscess, intraoral soft tissue

D7270 FAQ

What is D7270 dental code?

D7270 is the CDT code for reimplantation and/or stabilization of an accidentally avulsed or displaced tooth. It covers repositioning the tooth in its socket and splinting it to adjacent teeth. It applies to traumatic injury only.

What is the difference between D7270 and D7271?

D7270 is for reimplanting a tooth back into its own original socket after accidental avulsion or displacement. D7271 is for transplanting a tooth from one site to a completely different site in the mouth. Both include splinting.

Does D7270 include the splint?

Yes. The CDT descriptor includes "and/or stabilization," so the splint is bundled. Do not bill a separate splint code alongside D7270 for the same tooth on the same date.

Why do D7270 claims get denied?

Common reasons: no documentation of traumatic incident, missing pre-treatment radiograph, plan exclusion for trauma-related procedures, or bundling errors where a separate splint was billed on top of D7270.

Is D7270 covered by dental insurance?

Coverage varies. Many plans cover it under the oral surgery or emergency benefit. Some plans exclude trauma procedures and require cross-billing to medical insurance instead. Verify benefits and document the traumatic etiology clearly.

Can D7270 be billed with D9110 on the same visit?

Generally no. D9110 is palliative treatment when the problem is not addressed. Reimplanting and splinting the tooth is definitive treatment for the avulsion. Billing both for the same tooth on the same date typically results in a bundling denial.

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