Billing Spotlight: When to Use Code D4346
Getting dental coding right matters, especially for periodontal services. Once code that often causes confusion is D4346.
Here’s a quick, simple guide to help you use it correctly.
What Is D4346?
D4346 is used for scaling when a patient has generalized moderate to severe gingival inflammation (gingivitis).
It applies when you see:- Swollen, inflamed gums
- Moderate to severe bleeding during probing
- Generalized pseudo (suprabony) pockets
- No bone loss or attachment loss
This treatment removes plaque, calculus, and stains above and below the gumline.
Start With the Right Diagnosis
Before choosing D4346:
- Complete a full evaluation first
- Confirm there is no attachment or bone loss
- Base your decision on clinical findings. Not time or effort
Billing tip: Doing a regular cleaning and then requesting D4346 may signal the initial diagnosis was incomplete.
For more guidance, The American Dental Association (ADA) offers a full guide with:
- Clinical criteria
- Documentation tips
- Coding best practices