D7271 is the CDT code for tooth transplantation, which involves moving a tooth from one site in the mouth to a completely different site. The code includes reimplantation into the recipient site plus splinting and/or stabilization. The most common application is transplanting an impacted third molar into a site where a first molar has been or will be extracted.
Last updated June 2026 ยท Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D7271 claims →Use D7271 when a tooth is surgically removed from one site and placed into a prepared socket at a completely different location in the mouth. This is intentional, planned surgery, not emergency reimplantation after an accident. The most common scenario is autogenous tooth transplantation of a developing third molar into a first or second molar extraction site.
Common clinical scenario: third molar to first molar site. A first molar has been extracted or has a poor prognosis. An impacted third molar with appropriate root development exists in the same arch. Rather than prosthetic replacement, the surgeon removes the third molar and seats it in the prepared first molar socket. D7271 covers the transplantation and stabilization at the recipient site. Bill D7240 (or the appropriate impaction code) separately for removing the donor tooth.
Do NOT use D7271 for: Reimplanting a tooth into its own original socket after accidental avulsion (use D7270). Placing a tooth back in its own socket after intentional removal for root repair. Implant procedures (implants are not natural teeth, use the D6000 series). Any scenario where the tooth is not being moved to a genuinely different site.
Tooth transplantation is a relatively uncommon procedure and many payers classify it as a non-covered service or consider it not standard of care. Pre-authorization with a detailed clinical narrative comparing transplantation to conventional prosthetic alternatives gives the best chance of coverage. If denied, appeal with supporting literature on outcomes.
Payers need to see radiographic evidence of the donor tooth at its original site and the recipient site before and after surgery. A narrative describing only one location, or radiographs of only one site, will usually trigger a request for additional information or an outright denial. Document both the donor and recipient sites thoroughly.
D7271 does not include the extraction of the donor tooth from its original site. If the donor was an impacted third molar, bill D7240 (or D7220/D7230 depending on impaction level) separately. If you do not include the extraction code, you may be underpaid. If the payer bundles them without payment for the extraction, appeal with the CDT descriptor noting separate procedures.
Payers approving this procedure want to understand why transplantation was chosen over a conventional bridge or implant. Document the patient's age, the root development stage of the donor tooth (important for success rate), bone levels at the recipient site, and why a biological tooth replacement was preferred. Weak narratives lead to medical necessity denials.
Periapical or panoramic showing the donor tooth in its original site, confirming root development stage and position. Root development is a key factor in transplantation prognosis and payers will look for it.
Pre-operative imaging of the recipient site showing available bone and the existing space or planned extraction site. Post-operative image confirming correct seating of the transplanted tooth.
Explain why tooth transplantation was chosen, the patient's age, bone availability, root development stage, and how the prognosis was assessed. Compare to prosthetic alternatives briefly.
Confirm that the donor tooth removal is billed under its correct extraction code (D7220, D7230, or D7240 depending on impaction level). D7271 covers only the transplantation at the recipient site.
Note the type of stabilization placed and the teeth involved. As with D7270, the splint is included in D7271 and should not be billed separately.
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Learn about our billing servicesD7271 is the CDT code for tooth transplantation from one site to another in the mouth. It includes reimplantation into the recipient site and splinting/stabilization. The most common use is transplanting an impacted third molar into a first molar extraction site.
D7270 is for reimplanting a tooth back into its own original socket after accidental avulsion. D7271 is for intentional surgical transplantation of a tooth to a completely different site. Different clinical scenario, different code.
No. D7271 covers only the transplantation and stabilization at the recipient site. The extraction of the donor tooth from its original site must be billed separately using the appropriate extraction code.
Common reasons: payer classifies the procedure as non-covered, missing documentation for both donor and recipient sites, inadequate clinical rationale, or the donor extraction was incorrectly bundled into D7271.
Coverage is limited. Many plans classify tooth transplantation as non-covered or experimental. Pre-authorization with a full clinical narrative is strongly recommended. When covered, it typically falls under the major oral surgery benefit.
Yes. If the impacted donor tooth is removed and transplanted in the same surgical session, bill D7240 for the removal and D7271 for the transplantation. Include a narrative explaining both procedures and their relationship to each other.
Search all CDT codes in our dental coding guide.