Child Dental Scheme T&C’s – Part 4 – Extractions & Surgery

Oral surgery

Generally in young patients most extractions are due to removal of baby teeth, permanent teeth for orthodontic purposes, or impacted wisdom (third molars) removals. Teeth may be so severely damaged due to trauma that they need to be removed. Occasionally, decay has gotten out of hand and unfortunately permanent teeth may need to be removed. Often the first molar (also known as the 6yr old molar) is a common site of large amounts of decay, due to deep grooves or fissures in the biting surface and a poor diet.

With third molar removals, a warning needs to be provided on the risk of mandibular nerve damage. All extractions run the risk of developing a dry socket. Always follow post-operative instructions, and call the dentist if there is any complications or for advice.

• 88311 Removal of a tooth or part(s) thereof – first tooth extracted on a day.
• 88314 Sectional removal of a tooth or part(s) thereof – first tooth extracted on a day.
  • A benefit only applies if performed on multi-rooted teeth.
• 88316 Additional extraction requiring removal of a tooth or part(s) thereof, or sectional removal of a tooth.
• 88322 Surgical removal of a tooth or tooth fragment not requiring removal of bone or tooth division – first tooth extracted on a day.
• 88323 Surgical removal of a tooth or tooth fragment requiring removal of bone – first tooth extracted on a day.
• 88324 Surgical removal of a tooth or tooth fragment requiring both removal of bone and tooth division – first tooth extracted on a day.
  • Note: Limit of one 88311, 88322 – 4 per day. For additional extractions on the same day, use item 88316 or 88326.
• 88326 Additional extraction requiring surgical removal of a tooth or tooth fragment.
  • Note for items 88311-88326: A benefit does not apply if a benefit has been paid for an extraction service on the same tooth.
• 88351 Repair of skin and subcutaneous tissue or mucous membrane.
  • A benefit only applies if the service is provided on the same day of a service under item 88384, 88386 or 88387.
• 88384 Repositioning of displaced tooth/teeth – per tooth.
• 88386 Splinting of displaced tooth/teeth – per tooth
• 88387 Replantation and splinting of a tooth.
• 88392 Drainage of abscess.
  • Note for items 88384-88392: A benefit does not apply if a benefit has been paid for an extraction service on the same tooth.

Next week: Child Dental Scheme T&C’s – Part 5 – Root canal treatments (Endodontics)