Dental Code D9952: Occlusal adjustment - complete

Dental Code D9952, also known as Occlusal Adjustment - Complete, is an important procedure performed by dentists to address issues with the alignment and function of a patient's bite. This comprehensive procedure aims to refine the relationship between the upper and lower teeth, ensuring optimal occlusion, or the way the teeth come together, to improve overall dental health and function.

Dental Code D9952 refers to the complete occlusal adjustment, a process where a dentist meticulously adjusts the contacting surfaces of the teeth to create a harmonious and balanced bite. This procedure is distinct from a partial or limited occlusal adjustment, which is typically coded as D9951.

The complete occlusal adjustment is performed when there is a significant discrepancy between the way the upper and lower teeth come together, often resulting in problems such as excessive wear, pain, or difficulty chewing. By carefully reshaping and refining the tooth surfaces, the dentist can achieve a proper fit and function of the bite.

On average, patients pay $600 for this D9952 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $300 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $1000 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)
$300	$600	$1000

However, the price for the service D9952 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 complete occlusal adjustment process begins with a thorough examination and evaluation of the patient's bite. The dentist will assess the patient's existing occlusion, noting any areas of concern, such as uneven tooth wear, pain during chewing, or difficulties closing the mouth comfortably. This initial assessment helps the dentist develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address the identified issues. The dentist will also take note of any other underlying dental conditions, such as TMJ disorders or malocclusions, that may be contributing to the occlusal problems. Additionally, the dentist will review the patient's medical history and overall oral health to ensure that the occlusal adjustment procedure is appropriate and safe for the individual.

Next, the dentist will take a bite registration, which involves capturing the patient's current bite relationship. This can be done using various techniques, such as impression materials or computerized scanning devices. The bite registration allows the dentist to create a precise model or digital representation of the patient's occlusion, which will be used to guide the adjustments. This detailed record of the patient's bite can also be compared to any future bite registrations, allowing the dentist to track changes and ensure the effectiveness of the occlusal adjustment. The bite registration process may involve the use of specialized equipment, such as bite forks or articulating papers, to precisely record the patient's current occlusal relationship.

With the bite registration in hand, the dentist can begin the process of adjusting the contacting surfaces of the teeth. This is typically done using specialized dental tools, such as high-speed handpieces and abrasive discs, to carefully remove small amounts of enamel from specific areas of the teeth. The goal is to create a smooth, harmonious fit between the upper and lower teeth, ensuring that they come together evenly and without any excessive pressure or interference. The dentist will carefully monitor the adjustment process, taking measurements and making adjustments in small increments to avoid over-correction or damage to the tooth structure.

After the initial adjustments, the dentist will recheck the patient's bite, often using additional bite registrations or other diagnostic tools. This allows the dentist to assess the effectiveness of the adjustments and make any necessary further refinements to achieve the desired occlusal relationship. The dentist may use articulating paper or similar tools to identify any remaining areas of concern, and then make additional adjustments as needed. This process of verification and refinement continues until the dentist is satisfied that the patient's bite has been optimized.

Throughout the process, the dentist will closely monitor the patient's comfort and evaluate the overall function of the bite. This may involve having the patient chew on special materials or perform various exercises to assess the smoothness and efficiency of the adjusted occlusion. The dentist will also observe the patient's ability to speak, swallow, and perform other oral functions without any discomfort or difficulties. If the patient experiences any persistent issues, the dentist may need to make further adjustments or consider alternative treatment options.

If any minor discrepancies or areas of concern are identified, the dentist will make additional adjustments to the tooth surfaces, carefully removing small amounts of enamel until the desired occlusal relationship is achieved. The dentist may use specialized instruments, such as finishing burs or polishing discs, to ensure that the adjusted surfaces are smooth and free of any sharp edges or irregularities. Finally, the dentist will polish the affected teeth to ensure a smooth, comfortable surface that is easy to clean and maintain. This final step helps to reduce the risk of further tooth wear or damage, while also improving the overall aesthetics of the patient's smile.

Dental Code D9952, the complete occlusal adjustment, is an essential procedure performed by dentists to address issues with the alignment and function of a patient's bite. By carefully reshaping and refining the contacting surfaces of the teeth, the dentist can create a harmonious and balanced occlusion, improving overall dental health, function, and comfort for the patient. This comprehensive process, which involves thorough evaluation, bite registration, tooth adjustment, and verification of the final result, is a crucial step in maintaining optimal oral health and function. Discover the best of dental care with Dr.BestPrice! High-quality service, low prices.