D7310 is the CDT code for alveoloplasty performed in conjunction with extractions, four or more teeth or tooth spaces per quadrant. The procedure involves surgical recontouring or smoothing of the alveolar ridge bone to prepare it for a prosthetic or to eliminate sharp, irregular bony edges. It is billed per quadrant, not per tooth.
Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D7310 claims →When extracting four or more teeth in a single quadrant at one visit and the alveolar bone requires reshaping to eliminate sharp ridges, ledges, or irregular contours left after extraction.
Performed to prepare the ridge for a complete or partial denture. Smooth, even ridges improve prosthetic fit and patient comfort. Commonly billed alongside D7140 or D7210 extraction codes.
When post-extraction healing would leave exostoses, tori, or sharp crestal bone that would interfere with healing, prosthetics, or patient comfort, and bone contouring is needed at the same surgical appointment.
Many payers bundle alveoloplasty into the extraction reimbursement. They consider bone contouring a routine part of the extraction procedure. When they bundle it, you receive no separate payment for D7310. To fight the bundling, include an operative note that documents the distinct nature of the alveoloplasty: the specific bone contouring performed, the clinical reason it was necessary beyond the routine extraction, and the additional surgical time required.
D7310 requires four or more teeth or tooth spaces per quadrant. If the chart documents only three extractions in the quadrant, the payer will deny D7310 and may request a corrected claim for D7311. Count includes teeth and edentulous spaces where bone was contoured. Document tooth numbers or space locations clearly in the operative note.
A claim listing D7310 without a supporting narrative is routinely denied or pended for additional information. The operative note should describe the specific bony abnormalities found, the area treated, the technique used (rongeur, bone file, bur), and the clinical goal of the procedure.
Payers may deny alveoloplasty claims when clinical notes do not justify why contouring was required. "Performed alveoloplasty" with no further explanation is insufficient. State the clinical finding that necessitated the procedure: for example, sharp bony ledge on the labial plate of tooth 9-12 region causing soft tissue trauma, requiring surgical recontouring for prosthetic preparation.
Periapical or panoramic radiographs showing the teeth being extracted and the alveolar bone condition. The images should support the clinical decision to perform alveoloplasty alongside the extractions.
Document the specific quadrant treated, the number of teeth or tooth spaces involved (minimum four), and a description of the bony irregularities found. Name the teeth by number and describe findings per tooth location.
Describe the instruments and method used (rongeurs, bone files, handpiece and bur) and the area of bone contoured. A clear surgical description distinguishes alveoloplasty from a routine post-extraction socket smoothing.
State why alveoloplasty was performed: prosthetic preparation, elimination of sharp ridge, reduction of undercuts, or removal of exostoses. Tie the clinical finding to the surgical goal in the note.
Some plans require pre-auth for oral surgery procedures above a fee threshold. Verify the patient's plan requirements. Include the pre-auth number on the claim when applicable.
Oral surgery claims getting bundled or denied? We handle the documentation review and appeals that recover the revenue.
Learn about our billing servicesD7310 is the CDT code for alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions, four or more teeth or tooth spaces per quadrant. It covers surgical recontouring of the alveolar ridge bone at the same visit as multiple extractions. Billed per quadrant.
D7310 applies when four or more teeth or tooth spaces per quadrant are involved. D7311 applies when one to three teeth or tooth spaces per quadrant are involved. The tooth count per quadrant determines which code to use.
Yes. D7310 is specifically intended to be billed alongside extraction codes when alveoloplasty is performed at the same surgical visit. Some payers bundle it; a strong operative note with distinct clinical findings and surgical description supports separate reimbursement.
Common reasons include bundling with extractions, failure to document the four-tooth minimum per quadrant, missing operative narrative, and lack of documented clinical necessity for bone recontouring beyond routine post-extraction smoothing.
Many dental plans cover alveoloplasty as an oral surgery benefit when performed alongside qualifying extractions. Coverage rates and bundling policies vary by plan. Pre-authorization and a clear narrative significantly improve claim success.
In cases involving comprehensive pre-prosthetic surgical preparation, some practices cross-code to medical using relevant ICD-10 diagnosis codes for jaw conditions. Medical billing crossover is plan-specific and requires a separate medical claim with appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes.
Search all CDT codes in our dental coding guide.