D4342 is the CDT code for periodontal scaling and root planing on one to three teeth in a quadrant. It's the limited, site-specific version of deep cleaning for active gum disease, used when fewer than four teeth in a quadrant need treatment.
What D4342 means
D4342 covers scaling and root planing (SRP) for one to three teeth in a single quadrant. "D" is dental, "43" is the periodontal treatment group, and "42" is the one-to-three-teeth SRP. Like its full-quadrant sibling D4341, it's a therapeutic deep cleaning for diagnosed gum disease, just limited to a smaller, localized area.
The procedure is identical in technique — removing tartar from the roots below the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces under anesthesia — but only a few teeth in that quadrant qualify. Because of this, claims often list the specific tooth numbers being treated.
D4342 was added so that limited disease could be reported accurately instead of forcing everything into the full-quadrant code. Carriers commonly set the D4342 fee at a fraction of D4341 (sometimes prorated per tooth). Using D4341 when only one to three teeth qualify is a frequent cause of downgrades and record requests.
When it's typically used
D4342 is reported when only one to three teeth in a quadrant have active periodontal disease needing scaling and root planing, with the same documentation of pockets, bone loss, and bleeding that supports SRP.
How much does D4342 cost?
Because it treats fewer teeth, D4342 typically costs less than a full quadrant, often roughly 100 to 300 USD per quadrant depending on the number of teeth and the office. Some practices price it per tooth.
Is D4342 covered by insurance?
Like D4341, coverage requires documented periodontal disease, and claims often need the specific tooth numbers. Frequency limits (commonly once per quadrant every 24 to 36 months) apply, and the allowed fee is frequently set below the full-quadrant rate.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the D4342 dental code?
- It's periodontal scaling and root planing for one to three teeth in a quadrant — the limited, site-specific version of deep cleaning for active gum disease.
- How is D4342 different from D4341?
- It's the number of teeth per quadrant: D4342 is one to three teeth, D4341 is four or more. The technique is the same; the scope differs.
- How much does D4342 cost?
- Often around 100 to 300 USD per quadrant depending on how many teeth are treated and the office; it's generally less than the full-quadrant D4341.
- Why does my claim list tooth numbers for D4342?
- Because it's a site-specific code, carriers often want the specific teeth treated documented on the claim to support the limited SRP.
- Is D4342 covered by insurance?
- Usually only with documented periodontal disease and tooth numbers, subject to frequency limits like once per quadrant every 24 to 36 months.
- Can the dentist bill D4341 instead to get paid more?
- No — using D4341 when only one to three teeth qualify is improper and a common cause of downgrades, audits, or refund requests. The code must match the teeth actually treated.
This page is an independent, plain-language explanation for general information only. It is not billing, coding, or clinical advice. For the official CDT descriptor and current-year wording, refer to the American Dental Association.