Navigating the Coding Complexities of Supernumerary Teeth
- Updated:
- April 2023
- Author:
- Greg Grobmyer, DDS
- Topic:
- Coding
Supernumerary teeth, or extra teeth that develop in the oral cavity, can present a dental coding challenge for dental professionals. Proper coding and documentation of supernumerary teeth are crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and insurance reimbursement. However, navigating the dental coding complexities of supernumerary teeth can be daunting, even for the most experienced dental biller. In this blog post, we will explore the coding nuances of supernumerary teeth and provide tips and resources to help dental professionals navigate this complex terrain.
What are supernumerary teeth?
Supernumerary teeth are defined as teeth that exceed the normal dental formula regardless of their location and morphology. If a supernumerary tooth is in the position of a standard tooth in the arch, it cannot be listed as that same tooth because it is an “extra” tooth. It is not normally present, and Its presence may cause malposition of adjacent teeth or prevent their eruption. Numbering these teeth incorrectly is an issue that causes denied claims or claims requiring more information before insurance payers will issue reimbursement.
How to chart supernumerary teeth
Since supernumerary teeth aren’t universally common, they won’t be listed in the dental software system. They must be manually added when documenting in the patient’s chart. The method for charting supernumerary teeth will be software specific, so reach out to your practice management software company if you have questions.
Here are guidelines for charting supernumerary teeth based on American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations:
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When charting permanent teeth, add 50 to the closest standard tooth number.
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If a supernumerary tooth is adjacent to tooth #12, the tooth number entered would be 62 (12+50=62).
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Supernumerary #51 is closest to the upper right molar, which is tooth #1 (1+50=51).
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Supernumerary #82 is closest to the lower right third molar, which is tooth #32 (32+50 =82).
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When charting primary supernumerary teeth, add the letter “S” after the closest standard tooth number.
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If a supernumerary tooth is adjacent to the lower right primary tooth T, the tooth number entered would be TS.
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Supernumerary tooth #CS is closest to the upper right canine tooth, which is tooth #C (C+S=CS).
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Supernumerary tooth #FS is closest to the upper left incisor, which is tooth #F (F+S=FS).
How to code supernumerary teeth on a dental claim
On the ADA dental claim form, a tooth number or quadrant must be listed for each procedure associated with a CDT code. Now you know how to chart the supernumerary teeth numbers, but how do you code supernumerary teeth? It is important to emphasize that there are no separate CDT codes specifically for supernumerary teeth.
For example, when coding a supernumerary tooth extraction, identify the supernumerary tooth number and then use the appropriate CDT code for the type of extraction (D7140, D7210, etc).
Regardless of the CDT code, make sure to have very clear and specific clinical notes and supporting evidence when submitting a dental claim for supernumerary teeth.
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