D7471 is the CDT code for removal of a lateral exostosis on the maxilla or mandible. A lateral exostosis is a bony outgrowth on the buccal (cheek-side) surface of the jaw. It differs from a torus, which forms on the palate or lingual surface. D7471 covers the surgical removal of this bony protuberance when it causes functional problems.
Last updated June 2026 ยท Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D7471 claims →Use D7471 when surgically removing a lateral exostosis that is causing a documented functional problem. The exostosis must be located on the lateral (buccal) surface of the maxilla or mandible. Lateral exostoses are benign bony growths, but when they grow large enough they cause chronic mucosal trauma from biting or chewing, impede denture seating, or interfere with hygiene.
Scenario 1: Denture preparation. A patient needs a lower denture but has bilateral buccal shelf exostoses that prevent the denture from seating properly. D7471 is appropriate to remove the bony prominences and create a stable ridge for the prosthesis.
Scenario 2: Chronic soft tissue trauma. An exostosis on the buccal surface of the maxilla repeatedly traumatizes the cheek mucosa during chewing, causing chronic ulceration. Surgical reduction of the bony protuberance resolves the mucosal problem. Document the mucosal finding and the connection to the bony lesion.
Do NOT use D7471 for: Palatal tori (use D7473, removal of torus palatinus). Lingual tori on the mandible (use D7472, removal of torus mandibularis). General alveolar ridge reshaping in conjunction with extractions (use D7310, alveoloplasty). Biopsy of an unknown bony lesion (use appropriate biopsy code first).
If the clinical notes do not clearly document a functional problem, payers will classify D7471 as cosmetic and deny it. "Patient has a bump on the jaw" is not a functional indication. Document the specific problem: chronic mucosal trauma, denture instability, hygiene interference, or pain. Connect the bony finding to the functional complaint explicitly.
A periapical or panoramic radiograph showing the bony exostosis is a standard requirement. Without imaging that demonstrates the lesion, payers have no objective evidence for the procedure. Some plans also require CBCT for larger lesions before approving removal.
D7471 is specifically for lateral (buccal surface) exostoses, not tori. Palatal tori are D7473. Lingual tori on the mandible are D7472. Using D7471 for a torus of the palate or mandibular lingual shelf will trigger a denial because the anatomy does not match the code descriptor. Confirm the location before coding.
Most plans require pre-auth for oral surgery procedures. Submitting D7471 without prior authorization when the plan requires it leads to denial or reduced reimbursement. Check the patient's benefits before scheduling and obtain pre-auth with radiographs and clinical narrative.
Periapical or panoramic X-ray confirming the bony exostosis on the lateral surface of the maxilla or mandible. Note the location, approximate size, and relationship to adjacent teeth and structures.
Document the specific functional problem: chronic mucosal trauma, denture fit issues, hygiene interference, or pain. The clinical note should connect the patient's complaint directly to the bony protuberance. Cosmetic concerns alone are not sufficient for coverage.
Confirm the exostosis is on the buccal/lateral surface, not the palate (D7473) or mandibular lingual shelf (D7472). Document the arch (maxilla or mandible), side (left or right), and approximate location by tooth region.
Not required by all payers but significantly strengthens the case. A photo showing the bony prominence and any associated mucosal changes is difficult for a payer to dismiss. Include them whenever available.
Check the patient's plan before scheduling. Obtain pre-auth with imaging and clinical narrative. Document the pre-auth number and include it on the claim.
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Learn about our billing servicesD7471 is the CDT code for removal of a lateral exostosis on the maxilla or mandible. It covers the surgical reduction of a bony outgrowth on the buccal (cheek-side) surface of the jaw that is causing functional problems.
D7471 removes a specific bony protuberance on the lateral jaw surface. D7310 is alveoloplasty, which is general ridge reshaping typically done alongside extractions to prepare for a denture. Different anatomy and different clinical indication.
D7471 has functional indications. Lateral exostoses can cause chronic mucosal trauma, impede denture seating, or interfere with hygiene. Payers require documentation of a functional problem, not just the presence of the bony growth.
Common reasons: classified as cosmetic due to weak documentation, missing radiographs, wrong code used for a torus instead of a lateral exostosis, or missing pre-authorization.
D7471 is billed per site. If bilateral exostoses are removed in the same session, you can bill multiple units. Document each site separately with location, size, and clinical justification.
Most plans require pre-auth for oral surgery procedures. Submit pre-auth with radiographs and clinical notes documenting the functional problem. Getting approval before surgery significantly reduces denial risk.
Search all CDT codes in our dental coding guide.