Dental Code D4355: Full mouth debridement to enable a comprehensive oral evaluation and diagnosis on a subsequent visit

Dental Code D4355, known as full mouth debridement, is a dental procedure performed to enable a comprehensive oral evaluation and diagnosis during a subsequent visit. This code is used when a patient presents with extensive buildup of plaque, tartar, or other debris, hindering a thorough examination during the initial visit. The purpose of the debridement is to remove these deposits and create a clean and clear oral environment for a comprehensive assessment of the patient's oral health.

On average, patients pay $200 for this D4355 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $140 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $240 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)
$140	$200	$240

However, the price for the service D4355 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. 

Before initiating a full mouth debridement, the dentist conducts a preliminary assessment of the patient's overall oral health. This assessment may involve taking dental X-rays, considering the patient's medical history, and discussing any concerns or symptoms the patient may have. The dentist examines the oral cavity to determine the extent of the buildup and assess the need for a debridement procedure.

In certain cases, local anesthesia may be administered to ensure the patient's comfort during the debridement procedure. The dentist applies a numbing gel to the gum tissues and then injects a local anesthetic into specific areas of the mouth. The anesthesia temporarily blocks the sensations of pain and discomfort, allowing for a more comfortable experience.

Once the patient is comfortable, the dentist begins the scaling and root planing process. Scaling involves the use of specialized dental instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits from the teeth and below the gumline. It is a meticulous procedure that requires the dentist to carefully navigate the instruments along the teeth and root surfaces, ensuring thorough removal of the accumulated debris. This step is crucial in reducing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems.

Root planing is performed to smoothen the rough surfaces of the tooth roots. It helps eliminate any remaining bacteria and facilitates the reattachment of the gum tissues to the roots. The dentist uses specialized tools to remove the bacterial deposits and smooth the root surfaces, promoting optimal healing and reducing the risk of further oral health complications.

After the scaling and root planing, the dentist proceeds with the polishing of the teeth. Polishing helps remove any residual stains and smooth the tooth surfaces, making them less prone to plaque accumulation. The dentist uses a dental polishing paste and a rotating polishing tool to gently buff the teeth, leaving them with a smooth and shiny appearance. This step not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the teeth but also aids in maintaining oral hygiene.

To ensure the removal of all debris and polishing paste from the mouth, the dentist performs oral irrigation. This involves using a specialized device that delivers a gentle stream of water or antimicrobial mouthwash to flush out any remaining particles. The patient is asked to rinse their mouth thoroughly to remove any residual solution. Oral irrigation promotes cleanliness and aids in the healing process after the debridement procedure.

Following the full mouth debridement, the patient is scheduled for a subsequent visit, usually after a specified period of healing. During this visit, the dentist conducts a comprehensive oral evaluation and diagnosis. This includes examining the teeth, gums, soft tissues, and supporting structures of the mouth. The dentist assesses the overall oral health, identifies any underlying issues, and develops an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs.

During the comprehensive oral evaluation, the dentist may look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, malocclusions, and other oral health conditions. X-rays and other diagnostic tools may be used to aid in the evaluation process. The dentist also checks for any abnormalities in the bite, jaw alignment, and tooth spacing.

Dental Code D4355, the full mouth debridement procedure, plays a crucial role in enabling a comprehensive oral evaluation and diagnosis. By removing plaque, tartar, and other debris, the dentist creates a clean and clear oral environment for a thorough examination. The procedure involves a preliminary assessment, potential local anesthesia administration, scaling and root planing, tooth polishing, oral irrigation, and subsequent comprehensive oral evaluation. Through this process, the dentist accurately assesses the patient's oral health, identifies any existing problems, and provides appropriate treatment recommendations. Regular dental visits, including full mouth debridement when necessary, are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental issues in the long term.

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