External Bleaching Procedure: Dental Code D9972 Explained

Dental Code D9972 refers to the procedure of external bleaching, also known as teeth whitening, that is performed directly in the dental office. This code is used by dental professionals to document and bill for this specific cosmetic dental service.

Dental Code D9972 is a code used in the dental industry to represent the procedure of external bleaching, or teeth whitening, that is carried out by a dental professional in their office. This code is part of the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) coding system, which is a standardized set of codes used to describe dental procedures and services.

• External Bleaching: The bleaching or whitening process is focused on the external, visible surfaces of the teeth, as opposed to internal bleaching.
   
• Per Arch: The code is applied per dental arch, meaning the upper or lower set of teeth are treated separately.
   
• Performed in Office: The bleaching procedure is conducted by the dental professional in their clinical setting, rather than being a take-home whitening kit.

On average, patients pay $375 for this D9972 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $200 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $500 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)
$200	$375	$500

However, the price for the service D9972 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 dentist will first examine the patient's teeth and oral health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the external bleaching treatment. They will discuss the patient's goals, expectations, and any concerns they may have. The dentist may also take impressions or photographs of the teeth to create a baseline for comparison. During this initial consultation, the dentist will evaluate the patient's current tooth shade, existing dental work, and overall oral health to ensure the external bleaching procedure is the best treatment option. They will also provide the patient with information about the expected results, potential side effects, and the overall process to help the patient make an informed decision.

Before the actual bleaching process can begin, the dentist will thoroughly clean the patient's teeth to remove any surface stains or debris. This helps ensure the bleaching agent can effectively penetrate and whiten the tooth enamel. The cleaning process may involve scaling, polishing, and the use of specialized tools to remove any built-up plaque or tartar. This prepares the teeth for the optimal absorption and effectiveness of the bleaching agent. By starting with a clean canvas, the dentist can achieve more consistent and desirable results from the external bleaching procedure.

To protect the patient's gums from the bleaching agent, the dentist will apply a specialized gel or rubber dam to the gum line, covering any exposed areas. This barrier helps prevent the bleaching agent from irritating or damaging the soft tissue of the gums. The dentist will carefully apply the gum protection, ensuring a tight seal to prevent any leakage or seepage of the bleaching agent. This step is crucial to ensure the patient's comfort and safety during the procedure, as well as to achieve the desired whitening results without compromising the health of the surrounding oral tissues.

The dentist will then apply the bleaching agent, which is typically a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide-based solution, to the outer surfaces of the teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent can vary, but it is typically between 15-35% for in-office treatments. The dentist will carefully apply the bleaching agent, ensuring even coverage across the visible tooth surfaces. They may use specialized trays or applicators to ensure the agent is evenly distributed and reaches all areas of the teeth that need to be whitened.

Depending on the specific system used, the dentist may then activate the bleaching agent using a specialized light or laser. This helps to accelerate the whitening process and enhance the results. The light or laser energy helps to break down the bleaching agent, allowing it to more effectively penetrate and whiten the tooth enamel. This step can significantly reduce the overall treatment time and provide more immediate results for the patient.

During the bleaching procedure, the dentist will closely monitor the patient's comfort and the progress of the whitening. They may make adjustments to the bleaching agent or the application time to achieve the desired results. The dentist will closely observe the patient's reactions and continuously assess the tooth shade to ensure the procedure is progressing as expected. If necessary, they may modify the treatment plan or the bleaching agent concentration to optimize the outcome for the individual patient.

Once the bleaching process is complete, the dentist will thoroughly rinse the patient's mouth to remove any remaining bleaching agent. They may also apply a neutralizing agent to help restore the natural pH balance of the oral environment. This step is crucial to prevent any lingering irritation or sensitivity caused by the bleaching agent. The dentist will ensure the patient's mouth is thoroughly rinsed and the pH levels are restored to a healthy state before concluding the procedure.

After the procedure, the dentist will provide the patient with instructions for post-treatment care, such as avoiding certain foods and beverages that can stain the teeth, and may recommend the use of a desensitizing agent if the patient experiences any tooth sensitivity. The dentist will give the patient guidelines on maintaining the whitened teeth, including recommendations on proper oral hygiene practices and the use of any take-home whitening products. They may also schedule a follow-up appointment to assess the long-term results and address any concerns the patient may have.

Dental Code D9972 represents the procedure of external bleaching, or teeth whitening, that is performed by a dental professional in their office. The process involves an initial consultation, teeth cleaning, application of a bleaching agent, and monitoring of the procedure to achieve the desired level of whitening. The dentist takes precautions to protect the patient's gums and ensures the process is safe and effective. By understanding the details of this dental code, patients can better prepare for and understand the external bleaching procedure they may undergo.

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