Dental Code D3352: Apexification/recalcification – interim medication replacement

Dental Code D3352 refers to a specific dental procedure known as apexification/recalcification with interim medication replacement. This treatment is typically performed when the pulp, the innermost part of a tooth, becomes damaged or infected due to trauma, decay, or other factors. Apexification/recalcification aims to encourage the formation of a barrier near the root apex to promote healing and prevent further infection or damage.

On average, patients pay $240 for this D3352 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $150 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $350 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)
$150	$240	$350

However, the price for the service D3352 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. 

To ensure a comfortable experience during the procedure, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the affected tooth. Local anesthesia blocks the transmission of pain signals, allowing the patient to remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the treatment.

Once the patient is anesthetized, the dentist creates a small access opening in the affected tooth. This opening provides direct access to the pulp chamber, which houses the dental pulp. The dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that are essential for the tooth's development but can become infected or damaged over time. The access opening is carefully created using precise dental instruments to ensure minimal damage to the surrounding tooth structure. It allows the dentist to visualize and evaluate the condition of the dental pulp and assess the extent of the damage or infection. By gaining access to the pulp chamber, the dentist can effectively remove the diseased pulp and initiate the healing process, promoting the restoration of oral health and preserving the natural tooth structure.

With access to the pulp chamber, the dentist carefully removes any infected or damaged pulp tissue. This step is crucial for eliminating the source of infection and preventing the spread of bacteria within the tooth. The dentist uses specialized dental instruments, such as files and irrigating solutions, to thoroughly clean the pulp chamber and root canals.

After removing the infected pulp, the dentist proceeds to clean and shape the root canal system. This step involves using a series of small, flexible files to remove any remaining debris or infected tissue from the root canals. The dentist takes care to shape the canals to facilitate the placement of the interim medication and ensure thorough disinfection.

To promote apexification/recalcification, an interim medication is placed in the root canal space. The most commonly used medication is a calcium hydroxide-based paste. The interim medication helps create an environment conducive to the formation of a hard tissue barrier near the root apex. It stimulates the release of healing factors and promotes the deposition of dentin, a hard tissue that forms the barrier. Additionally, the interim medication has antimicrobial properties, reducing inflammation and preventing further infection.

After placing the interim medication, the dentist seals the access opening in the tooth with a temporary filling material. This temporary filling acts as a protective barrier, preventing contamination of the root canal system and maintaining a sterile environment. It also provides a temporary seal until the next appointment, ensuring the integrity of the treatment.

Apexification/recalcification is typically a multi-appointment process. The dentist schedules follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the treatment. During these visits, the dentist evaluates the formation of the hard tissue barrier, assesses the healing process, and determines when the tooth is ready for the next phase of treatment or permanent restoration. The number of follow-up appointments required varies depending on the individual case.

Dental Code D3352, which involves apexification/recalcification with interim medication replacement, is a specialized dental procedure used to treat damaged or infected dental pulp. The procedure comprises several essential steps, including diagnosis and treatment planning, local anesthesia administration, accessing the pulp chamber, removal of infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and shaping of the root canal, placement of interim medication, and temporary filling. Through this treatment, the dentist aims to encourage the formation of a hard tissue barrier near the root apex, promoting healing, and preventing further infection. Regular follow-up appointments play a crucial role in monitoring the progress of the treatment and determining the next steps for permanent restoration. It is important to consult with a qualified dental professional for an accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plan, and comprehensive guidance regarding any dental concerns.

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