Summary & Overview
CDT D3310: Endodontic Therapy, Anterior Tooth (Excl. Final Restoration)
CDT code D3310 designates endodontic therapy on an anterior tooth, excluding the final restoration. This procedure is a core dental service used to treat pulpitis, necrotic pulp, and other pulpal pathologies to preserve natural dentition and relieve infection or pain. Nationally, anterior root canal therapy is a common restorative intervention with implications for dental coverage, benefit design, and clinical care pathways.
Major commercial payers covered in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, and UnitedHealthcare. Readers will find a concise description of the clinical service represented by the code, common diagnostic contexts that justify the procedure, and how this code relates to adjacent endodontic and surgical CDT codes. The publication outlines payer coverage considerations, typical site-of-service expectations, and connections to related dental procedures to aid coding accuracy and claims processing.
This summary provides clinicians, coders, and payers with a clear reference for identifying when D3310 applies, how it fits within endodontic care sequences, and which associated codes commonly appear on the same service line. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CDT code D3310 represents endodontic therapy for an anterior tooth (excluding final restoration). This procedure involves the removal of diseased or damaged pulp tissue and preparation of the root canal system for obturation, addressing issues such as irreversible pulpitis and pulpal necrosis.
Service Type: Dentistry
Typical Site of Service: Dental Office (POS 11)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to a dental office with localized pain and sensitivity in a single anterior tooth. Examination and pulp testing indicate irreversible pulpitis or pulpal necrosis, and radiographs show periapical changes consistent with apical periodontitis or a periapical abscess. The dentist (general dentist or endodontist) performs endodontic therapy on the affected anterior tooth under local anesthesia. The procedure includes access, cleaning, shaping, and obturation of the root canal system, excluding placement of the final coronal restoration. Typical workflow: history and exam, diagnostic radiographs, local anesthesia, rubber dam isolation, access preparation, canal debridement and shaping, irrigation and intracanal medication as needed, obturation, postoperative radiograph, postoperative instructions, and scheduling for final restoration placement at a subsequent visit.
Coding Specifications
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Common Modifiers
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22- Increased Procedural Services: Used when the work performed is substantially greater than typically required for CDT codeD3310. Documentation must support unusual circumstances and increased time/complexity. -
52- Reduced Services: Used when a service is partially reduced or eliminated at the dentist’s discretion. Documentation must explain why the full procedure was not completed. -
Associated Provider Taxonomies
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1223E0200X- : Specialty trained in root canal therapy and related endodontic procedures.