CPT code 41820 denotes a periodontal surgical procedure in which the gingiva is separated from the tooth root to treat gum infection or to permit access to root surfaces. Nationally, this code captures a common dental surgical intervention used by dentists and periodontists to manage moderate to advanced periodontal disease that requires direct access to infected tissue. The code is relevant to both commercial payers and public programs because it affects coverage determination, billing consistency, and practice patterns across ambulatory dental and outpatient surgical settings.

Key payers in scope include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical intent and typical settings for 41820, a summary of common modifiers used with the code, and guidance on where to find supporting diagnosis linkage. The publication also highlights benchmarks and policy considerations relevant to reimbursement and coding compliance, including documentation elements that justify a surgical periodontal approach. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.