Dental Code D2393: Resin-based composite - three surfaces, posterior

Dental procedures can be a complex and often daunting topic for many people. However, understanding the various codes and the associated treatments is crucial for making informed decisions about your oral health. 

Dental Code D2393 refers to the placement of a resin-based composite material to restore a tooth with three or more surfaces on a posterior (back) tooth. This type of restoration is commonly used to address larger areas of decay or damage on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars.

Resin-based composites are tooth-colored, durable materials that are bonded directly to the tooth structure. They are designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetic restoration.

On average, patients pay $330 for this D2393 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $220 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $400 in more expensive cities.

Low cost of living	Medium cost of living	High cost of living
Memphis (Tennessee), Cincinnati (Ohio)	Miami (Florida), Denver (Colorado), Austin (Texas)	(New York (New York), San Francisco (California)
$220	$330	$400

However, the price for the service D2393 depends not only on the region where you live, but also varies from dentist to dentist. Therefore, it makes sense to compare prices before choosing a dentist. The best way to do this price comparison is at Dr. BestPrice and save a lot of money. 

The process of receiving a D2393 resin-based composite filling involves several steps, each of which is crucial for the success and longevity of the restoration.

The first step in the procedure is the preparation of the tooth. The dentist will use specialized dental instruments to remove any decay or damaged tooth structure, ensuring a clean and stable foundation for the restoration. This process may involve the use of local anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort throughout the procedure. The dentist will carefully assess the extent of the damage or decay, ensuring that all affected areas are thoroughly removed. This step is crucial for the long-term success of the restoration, as it creates a solid and healthy base for the resin-based composite material. Additionally, the dentist will shape the prepared tooth surface to provide the optimal surface area for the composite material to bond to, further enhancing the durability and longevity of the restoration.

Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will thoroughly clean the surface to remove any remaining debris or bacteria. This is followed by the application of an etching agent, which helps to create a rougher surface on the tooth, allowing for a stronger bond between the resin-based composite and the tooth structure. The etching process works by slightly dissolving the outermost layer of the tooth enamel, creating microscopic pits and grooves that the bonding agent can effectively penetrate. This mechanical interlocking between the tooth and the composite material is essential for creating a durable and long-lasting restoration. The dentist will carefully monitor the etching process to ensure the optimal level of roughness is achieved, without compromising the overall tooth structure.

After the etching process, the dentist will apply a bonding agent to the prepared tooth surface. This agent helps to create a durable and long-lasting bond between the tooth and the resin-based composite material. The bonding agent is a specialized resin-based liquid that is designed to penetrate the microscopic pits and grooves created by the etching process, forming a strong, chemical link between the tooth and the composite material. The application of the bonding agent is a critical step, as it ensures that the restoration will remain firmly in place and resist the forces of chewing and grinding over time. The dentist will carefully apply the bonding agent, ensuring complete coverage of the prepared tooth surface.

The next step is the placement of the resin-based composite material. The dentist will carefully sculpt and layer the material to match the natural contours of the tooth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. The composite material is typically available in a range of shades and opacities, allowing the dentist to closely match the appearance of the patient's natural teeth. The layering process involves building up the composite in thin, incremental layers, allowing each layer to be cured and hardened before the next is applied. This technique helps to ensure a strong, durable, and aesthetically-pleasing restoration that blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

Once the resin-based composite has been placed, the dentist will use a specialized curing light to harden and set the material. This process helps to ensure the longevity and durability of the restoration. The curing light emits a specific wavelength of light that triggers a chemical reaction within the composite material, causing it to harden and solidify. The dentist will carefully monitor the curing process to ensure the composite is fully hardened throughout. Finally, the dentist will carefully shape and polish the filling to ensure a smooth and comfortable fit. This step involves the use of specialized polishing instruments and techniques to remove any excess material and create a seamless transition between the restoration and the natural tooth structure.

After the initial placement and curing of the resin-based composite, the dentist will assess the patient's bite and make any necessary adjustments to the filling. This ensures that the restoration is properly aligned with the surrounding teeth, allowing for comfortable and efficient chewing. The dentist will carefully evaluate the patient's bite by having them gently close their teeth together, identifying any high spots or areas of interference. If necessary, the dentist will carefully remove small amounts of the composite material to achieve the optimal occlusal (bite) relationship. This step is crucial for preventing issues such as discomfort, excessive wear on the restoration or surrounding teeth, and the development of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems.

Following the procedure, the patient will be provided with instructions for proper oral hygiene and care. This may include recommendations for brushing, flossing, and the use of specific dental products to help maintain the integrity of the restoration. The dentist will emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits, as this can significantly impact the longevity of the resin-based composite filling. Patients may also be advised to avoid certain foods or habits that could potentially damage the restoration, such as chewing on hard objects or teeth grinding. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings will also be recommended to monitor the condition of the filling and ensure any necessary adjustments or repairs are made in a timely manner.

Dental Code D2393 represents the placement of a resin-based composite filling on three or more surfaces of a posterior tooth. This procedure involves a series of carefully executed steps, including tooth preparation, cleaning, etching, bonding agent application, resin-based composite placement, curing, finishing, and occlusal adjustment.

The resin-based composite material used in this procedure is designed to provide a durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing restoration that closely mimics the appearance and function of natural teeth. By understanding the details of this procedure, patients can make informed decisions about their oral health and work closely with their dentist to achieve optimal results.

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