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CPT 21031: Excision of Torus Mandibularis

CPT code 21031 denotes the surgical excision of a torus mandibularis — a bony protrusion of the lower jaw adjacent to the tongue. This code is used to report definitive operative management when removal of the mandibular torus is indicated for functional reasons, prosthetic interference, or patient symptoms. Nationally, accurate coding for oral and maxillofacial procedures supports proper clinical documentation, reimbursement, and tracking of surgical oral health interventions.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context about the procedure, typical sites of service, and the scope of services associated with this code. The publication provides benchmarks where available, notes on common billing patterns, and relevant policy considerations that affect coverage and payment for oral surgical services. Information on associated clinical indications and coding context is included to help clarify when CPT code 21031 is appropriate to report. Data not available in the input are identified explicitly in their respective sections.

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Billing Code Overview

CPT code 21031 describes the surgical excision of a torus mandibularis, an abnormal bony growth on the mandible that protrudes near the side of the tongue. The procedure involves removal of the mandibular torus to alleviate functional impairment or prosthetic interference.

Service type: Surgical excision of oral bony growth
Typical site of service: Oral and maxillofacial surgery setting or dental/oral surgery clinic; may occur in ambulatory surgical centers or hospital outpatient departments depending on clinical complexity and anesthesia needs.

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CPT 21031: Excision of Torus Mandibularis

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Billing Code Overview

Service type: Surgical excision of oral bony growth
Typical site of service: Oral and maxillofacial surgery setting or dental/oral surgery clinic; may occur in ambulatory surgical centers or hospital outpatient departments depending on clinical complexity and anesthesia needs.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult who presents to an oral and maxillofacial surgery or dental clinic with discomfort or functional interference from a bony prominence on the lingual aspect of the mandible diagnosed as torus mandibularis. Common complaints include irritation of the oral mucosa, interference with denture fabrication or fit, recurrent ulceration, speech or swallowing discomfort, or patient concern about oral anatomy. The clinical workflow includes: initial evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon with history and intraoral examination; documentation of size, location (unilateral or bilateral), and symptomatic impact; discussion of risks and benefits; obtaining informed consent; preoperative medical assessment and any indicated medical clearance; local or general anesthesia per patient and procedure complexity; surgical excision of the torus with preservation of adjacent structures; intraoperative hemostasis and wound closure; postoperative instructions, analgesics, and follow-up for wound check and suture removal. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department for larger lesions or when general anesthesia is required, and a dental office or outpatient clinic for minor excisions under local anesthesia. Providers commonly performing the procedure include oral and maxillofacial surgeons, dentists with oral surgery training, and otolaryngologists with head and neck surgical practice.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work required to excise the torus is substantially greater than typical (extensive size, scarring, complex closure).
`23`	Unusual anesthesia	Use when general anesthesia is medically necessary for an otherwise minor procedure.
`26`	Professional component	Use if reporting only the professional component separate from technical facility services (rare for this procedure).
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when tori are excised from both sides of the mandible and payer requires a bilateral modifier.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when multiple distinct surgical procedures are performed at the same session in addition to torus excision.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as planned.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure is terminated for patient safety before completion.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use to indicate a distinct procedural service separate from other procedures performed the same day.
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct parts of the excision.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	Use if the exact procedure is repeated later the same day by the same physician.
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician	Use if the exact procedure is repeated later the same day by a different physician.
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use if the patient returns to the OR for complications related to the excision.
`79`	Unrelated procedure or service during the postoperative period	Use if an unrelated procedure is performed during the global period.
`RT`	Right side	Use when documenting laterality for a right-sided torus excision, if payer requires laterality modifiers.
`LT`	Left side	Use when documenting laterality for a left-sided torus excision, if payer requires laterality modifiers.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
163W00000X	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	Primary specialty performing surgical excision of mandibular tori.
1223G0001X	General Practice Dentistry	Dentists in private practice may perform minor tori excisions under local anesthesia.
2086S0122X	Otolaryngology (ENT)	Otolaryngologists with oral cavity expertise may perform excision if part of broader head and neck care.
207Q00000X	Dentistry	General dental specialty code for clinicians performing minor oral surgical procedures.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`K07.8`	Other dentofacial anomalies	May capture non-specific dentofacial anomalies when torus contributes to occlusal or prosthetic issues.
`M27.8`	Other disorders of jaws	Used for miscellaneous jaw disorders including benign bony prominences when more specific code not used.
`M27.2`	Exostosis of bone	Directly relevant for bony outgrowths such as tori that may require excision.
`K08.1`	Loss of teeth due to trauma	Relevant if torus excision is performed in conjunction with dental prosthetic planning after tooth loss.
`R68.89`	Other general symptoms and signs	Sometimes used for non-specific oral symptoms like persistent irritation when no specific oral code applies.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`41899`	Unlisted procedure, dentoalveolar structures	Use when a specific documented variation of torus excision does not match a listed code; requires operative report.
`42440`	Excision of benign lesion of mandibular body, intraoral approach	Used for excision of benign mandibular lesions that extend beyond typical torus anatomy or require more extensive bone resection.
`21030`	Excision of benign tumor or cyst of mandible; tooth-bearing portion, intraoral approach	Performed when a lesion on the mandible requires removal that involves tooth-bearing areas; related for larger bony pathology.
`41820`	Removal of exostosis, maxilla or mandible (e.g., tori) — Note: not an official CPT descriptor but sometimes used in dental coding vernacular	Used in clinical discussion though `21031` is the specific CPT for torus mandibularis excision; documents alternative coding considerations.
`99100`	Anesthesia for patient of extreme age, younger than 1 year and older than 70 years, when administered by the surgeon	May be reported when additional anesthesia care is warranted by patient age during surgical excision (check payer rules).

CPT 21011: Excision of Small Soft Tissue Tumor of Face or Scalp

CPT-21012-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-EXCISION-FACE-SCALP

CPT 21012: Excision of Soft Tissue Tumor, Face or Scalp

CPT-21013-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-EXCISION-FACE-SCALP

CPT 21013: Excision of Soft Tissue Tumor, Face or Scalp

CPT-21014-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-EXCISION-FACE-SCALP

CPT 21014: Excision of Soft Tissue Tumor of Face or Scalp

CPT-21015-RADICAL-EXCISION-FACE-SCALP-TUMOR

CPT 21015: Radical Excision of Small Tumor on Face or Scalp

CPT-21016-EXTENSIVE-EXCISION-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-FACE-SCALP

CPT 21016: Extensive Excision of Malignant Soft Tissue Tumor, Face/Scalp

CPT-21025-MANDIBULAR-OSTEOMYELITIS-DEBRIDEMENT

CPT 21025: Debridement for Mandibular Osteomyelitis

CPT-21026-FACIAL-BONE-OSTEOMYELITIS-EXCISION

CPT 21026: Excision of Diseased Facial Bone for Osteomyelitis

CPT-21029-BONE-TUMOR-CONTOURING-RESHAPING

CPT 21029: Removal of Benign Bone Tumor by Contouring/Reshaping

CPT-21030-ENUCLEATION-CURETTAGE-BENIGN-MAXILLARY-ZYGOMA-TUMOR

CPT 21030: Enucleation/Curettage of Benign Maxillary and Zygomatic Tumors

Showing 1–10 of 22

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work required to excise the torus is substantially greater than typical (extensive size, scarring, complex closure).
`23`	Unusual anesthesia	Use when general anesthesia is medically necessary for an otherwise minor procedure.
`26`	Professional component	Use if reporting only the professional component separate from technical facility services (rare for this procedure).
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when tori are excised from both sides of the mandible and payer requires a bilateral modifier.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when multiple distinct surgical procedures are performed at the same session in addition to torus excision.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as planned.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure is terminated for patient safety before completion.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use to indicate a distinct procedural service separate from other procedures performed the same day.
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct parts of the excision.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	Use if the exact procedure is repeated later the same day by the same physician.
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician	Use if the exact procedure is repeated later the same day by a different physician.
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use if the patient returns to the OR for complications related to the excision.
`79`	Unrelated procedure or service during the postoperative period	Use if an unrelated procedure is performed during the global period.
`RT`	Right side	Use when documenting laterality for a right-sided torus excision, if payer requires laterality modifiers.
`LT`	Left side	Use when documenting laterality for a left-sided torus excision, if payer requires laterality modifiers.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
163W00000X	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	Primary specialty performing surgical excision of mandibular tori.
1223G0001X	General Practice Dentistry	Dentists in private practice may perform minor tori excisions under local anesthesia.
2086S0122X	Otolaryngology (ENT)	Otolaryngologists with oral cavity expertise may perform excision if part of broader head and neck care.
207Q00000X	Dentistry	General dental specialty code for clinicians performing minor oral surgical procedures.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`K07.8`	Other dentofacial anomalies	May capture non-specific dentofacial anomalies when torus contributes to occlusal or prosthetic issues.
`M27.8`	Other disorders of jaws	Used for miscellaneous jaw disorders including benign bony prominences when more specific code not used.
`M27.2`	Exostosis of bone	Directly relevant for bony outgrowths such as tori that may require excision.
`K08.1`	Loss of teeth due to trauma	Relevant if torus excision is performed in conjunction with dental prosthetic planning after tooth loss.
`R68.89`	Other general symptoms and signs	Sometimes used for non-specific oral symptoms like persistent irritation when no specific oral code applies.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`41899`	Unlisted procedure, dentoalveolar structures	Use when a specific documented variation of torus excision does not match a listed code; requires operative report.
`42440`	Excision of benign lesion of mandibular body, intraoral approach	Used for excision of benign mandibular lesions that extend beyond typical torus anatomy or require more extensive bone resection.
`21030`	Excision of benign tumor or cyst of mandible; tooth-bearing portion, intraoral approach	Performed when a lesion on the mandible requires removal that involves tooth-bearing areas; related for larger bony pathology.
`41820`	Removal of exostosis, maxilla or mandible (e.g., tori) — Note: not an official CPT descriptor but sometimes used in dental coding vernacular	Used in clinical discussion though `21031` is the specific CPT for torus mandibularis excision; documents alternative coding considerations.
`99100`	Anesthesia for patient of extreme age, younger than 1 year and older than 70 years, when administered by the surgeon	May be reported when additional anesthesia care is warranted by patient age during surgical excision (check payer rules).

CPT 21011: Excision of Small Soft Tissue Tumor of Face or Scalp

CPT-21012-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-EXCISION-FACE-SCALP

CPT 21012: Excision of Soft Tissue Tumor, Face or Scalp

CPT-21013-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-EXCISION-FACE-SCALP

CPT 21013: Excision of Soft Tissue Tumor, Face or Scalp

CPT-21014-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-EXCISION-FACE-SCALP

CPT 21014: Excision of Soft Tissue Tumor of Face or Scalp

CPT-21015-RADICAL-EXCISION-FACE-SCALP-TUMOR

CPT 21015: Radical Excision of Small Tumor on Face or Scalp

CPT-21016-EXTENSIVE-EXCISION-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-FACE-SCALP

CPT 21016: Extensive Excision of Malignant Soft Tissue Tumor, Face/Scalp

CPT-21025-MANDIBULAR-OSTEOMYELITIS-DEBRIDEMENT

CPT 21025: Debridement for Mandibular Osteomyelitis

CPT-21026-FACIAL-BONE-OSTEOMYELITIS-EXCISION

CPT 21026: Excision of Diseased Facial Bone for Osteomyelitis

CPT-21029-BONE-TUMOR-CONTOURING-RESHAPING

CPT 21029: Removal of Benign Bone Tumor by Contouring/Reshaping

CPT-21030-ENUCLEATION-CURETTAGE-BENIGN-MAXILLARY-ZYGOMA-TUMOR

CPT 21030: Enucleation/Curettage of Benign Maxillary and Zygomatic Tumors

Showing 1–10 of 22

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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CPT 21031: Excision of Torus Mandibularis

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Billing Code Overview

OpenPayer

CPT 21031: Excision of Torus Mandibularis

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

CPT 21031: Excision of Torus Mandibularis

Sign up for cpt 21031 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

CPT 21031: Excision of Torus Mandibularis

Sign up for cpt 21031 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

What clinical situation does CPT 21031 describe and where is the procedure typically performed?

Which modifiers are commonly relevant when billing CPT 21031?

What related CPT codes should be considered when the excision is more extensive or atypical?

Which diagnosis codes map to torus mandibularis and related clinical scenarios?

Which provider specialties commonly perform CPT 21031 and what taxonomy codes are associated?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

What clinical situation does CPT 21031 describe and where is the procedure typically performed?

Which modifiers are commonly relevant when billing CPT 21031?

What related CPT codes should be considered when the excision is more extensive or atypical?

Which diagnosis codes map to torus mandibularis and related clinical scenarios?

Which provider specialties commonly perform CPT 21031 and what taxonomy codes are associated?

References