© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 21246 involves the reconstruction of the mandible or maxilla using a subperiosteal implant, which is a type of dental implant placed beneath the periosteum, the layer of connective tissue that covers the bone. This surgical intervention is typically performed in patients who have lost teeth and require a stable foundation for dental prosthetics. The process begins with the physician making an incision in the area of the jaw where teeth are absent, allowing access to the underlying bone. The bone is then carefully exposed to facilitate the insertion of a custom-made metal implant. This implant is designed to fit the unique contours of the patient's jaw and may be created using molds taken during a previous appointment or through advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans. Depending on the method used for implant creation, the procedure may be completed in a single surgical session or may require two separate sessions. Once the implant is positioned, it features posts that will later be used for securing dental fixtures. The surrounding tissue is meticulously arranged and sutured around these posts, ensuring proper healing and integration of the implant with the bone. The entire procedure is aimed at restoring functionality and aesthetics to the patient's oral cavity, with the final goal of supporting dental prosthetics effectively.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 21246 is indicated for patients who require reconstruction of the mandible or maxilla due to the absence of teeth. This may include individuals who have experienced significant tooth loss due to trauma, periodontal disease, or other dental conditions that necessitate the placement of a stable foundation for dental prosthetics. The use of a subperiosteal implant is particularly beneficial for patients who may not have sufficient bone density for traditional endosteal implants or who prefer an alternative approach to dental restoration.
The procedure for CPT® Code 21246 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful placement of the subperiosteal implant. Initially, the physician makes an incision over the area of the jaw where teeth are missing. This incision allows for the careful exposure of the underlying bone, which is essential for the accurate placement of the implant. Once the bone is adequately exposed, the physician may utilize molds taken during a prior visit to create a custom-made metal implant that fits the unique contours of the patient's jaw. Alternatively, advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans may be employed to design the implant, which can streamline the process and potentially allow for the procedure to be completed in a single surgical session. After the implant is prepared, it is inserted beneath the periosteum, and the metal plate is positioned against the bone. The implant features posts that will later be used for securing dental fixtures. The surrounding tissue is then meticulously arranged and sutured around these posts to promote healing and integration. Finally, all incisions are closed, and the area is monitored for proper recovery.
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 21246, patients can expect a recovery period during which the implant integrates with the bone. Post-operative care may include pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and follow-up appointments to assess healing. Patients are typically advised to follow specific guidelines regarding diet and activity levels to promote optimal recovery. The healing process is crucial, as the implant relies on the body's natural healing and scarring processes to secure it in place. Once healing is sufficiently advanced, further dental work, such as the placement of crowns or dentures, can be performed to restore full functionality and aesthetics to the patient's oral cavity.
| Short Descr | RECONSTRUCTION OF JAW | Medium Descr | RCNSTJ MNDBL/MAXL SUBPRIOSTEAL IMPLANT COMPLETE | Long Descr | Reconstruction of mandible or maxilla, subperiosteal implant; complete | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.