Dental Code D3353: Apexification/recalcification - final visit (includes completed root canal therapy - apical closure/calcific repair of perforations, root resorption, etc.)

Dental Code D3353 refers to the apexification/recalcification procedure's final visit, which includes the completion of root canal therapy along with apical closure and calcific repair of perforations, root resorption, and other related issues. This dental code is used to bill for the comprehensive treatment of the affected tooth, aiming to restore its functionality and prevent further complications.

On average, patients pay $555 for this D3353 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $340 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $800 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)
$340	$555	$800

However, the price for the service D3353 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 first step in the apexification/recalcification procedure is the diagnosis and treatment planning. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of the affected tooth using various diagnostic tools such as X-rays and possibly a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. These imaging techniques allow for a detailed assessment of the tooth's root structure, periapical area, and surrounding tissues. The dentist will evaluate the extent of damage, including perforations or root resorption, and determine the need for root canal therapy.

Based on the findings, a treatment plan will be developed to address the specific issues. The dentist will discuss the treatment options with you, explaining the benefits and potential risks associated with each approach. It is essential to communicate your concerns and expectations to ensure the most suitable treatment plan is chosen.

Root canal therapy is a vital part of the apexification/recalcification procedure. It involves the removal of infected or damaged pulp from the tooth's root canal system. The pulp, located in the center of the tooth, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or other factors, it can lead to severe pain and potential complications.

To begin the root canal therapy, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure a painless experience. This numbs the affected area, making the procedure comfortable for the patient. Next, the dentist will create a small access hole in the tooth, allowing access to the pulp chamber and canals.

Using specialized instruments called files, the dentist carefully cleans and shapes the canals, removing any infected or necrotic tissue. The canals are then irrigated with antimicrobial solutions to eliminate bacteria and prevent further infection. In some cases, the dentist may use intracanal medications to disinfect the canals thoroughly.

After cleaning and shaping the canals, the dentist will fill them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is a rubber-like material that seals the canals, preventing reinfection. In some cases, a sealer is also used along with gutta-percha to enhance the seal and ensure long-term success.

Apical closure is a critical aspect of the apexification/recalcification procedure. The apex, or the tip of the tooth's root, is sealed to prevent the entry of bacteria and promote healing. Different techniques can be employed for apical closure, depending on the specific case.

One commonly used approach involves the placement of a biocompatible material, such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), into the apical region. MTA is a cement-like material that is known for its excellent sealing properties and biocompatibility. It creates a seal at the apex and encourages the formation of a hard tissue barrier, known as apical barrier, promoting the regeneration of the root structure.

During the final visit, the dentist will assess the effectiveness of the apical closure and ensure that the hard tissue barrier is forming as expected. This step is crucial for the success of the apexification/recalcification procedure, as it helps to prevent reinfection and promotes the healing process.

During the apexification/recalcification procedure, the dentist also addresses any perforations or root resorption present in the tooth. Perforations occur when there is an unintended communication between the root canal system and the surrounding tissues. Root resorption, on the other hand, refers to the loss of tooth structure due to various factors.

To repair these issues, the dentist may use materials such as MTA or bioceramic sealers. These materials have excellent sealing properties and biocompatibility, making them suitable for repairing perforations and promoting the healing of root resorption.

The dentist will carefully identify the location and size of the perforation or root resorption and prepare the area for repair. The material is then placed in the affected site, creating a seal and promoting the growth of new tissue. The dentist will ensure that the repaired area is properly sealed and protected.

Dental Code D3353 encompasses the apexification/recalcification procedure's final visit, which involves completing the root canal therapy and addressing issues such as apical closure, calcific repair of perforations, and root resorption. The treatment aims to restore thefunctionality of the affected tooth and prevent further complications. The procedure includes steps such as diagnosis and treatment planning, root canal therapy, apical closure, and repair of perforations and root resorption.

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