D7550 — Partial ostectomy/sequestrectomy for removal of non-vital bone
D7550 removes a piece of dead bone that the body has walled off, usually after infection or radiotherapy.
It is one of six codes covering incision and drainage. For the procedure itself rather than the code, see the incision and drainage guide; for the code, read on.
Four things follow: the conditions, the cost, the coverage, and the difference between this code and each one it sits beside.
Where the line falls between D7550 and the rest
D7560 — Maxillary sinusotomy for removal of tooth fragment or foreign body: It opens the maxillary sinus to retrieve a tooth fragment or other foreign body pushed into it during an extraction.
D7521 — Incision and drainage of abscess — extraoral soft tissue, complicated: It is the complicated variant, requiring a supporting narrative.
D7520 — Incision and drainage of abscess — extraoral soft tissue: It opens and drains an abscess that has spread outside the mouth into the skin or the tissues of the face and neck.
D7511 — Incision and drainage of abscess — intraoral soft tissue, complicated: It is the complicated variant, requiring a supporting narrative.
D7550 sits in a group of six codes in total; the remainder are linked at the foot of this page. Reviewers compare the narrative against the code rather than the other way round, so the question worth asking is what the notes will say.
Every code in this group
These codes describe the same broad procedure and differ in one respect each. Each has its own page with its own fee range and coverage notes.
| Code | Procedure |
|---|---|
| D7550 | Partial ostectomy/sequestrectomy for removal of non-vital bone — this page |
| D7510 | Incision and drainage of abscess — intraoral soft tissue |
| D7511 | Incision and drainage of abscess — intraoral soft tissue, complicated |
| D7520 | Incision and drainage of abscess — extraoral soft tissue |
| D7521 | Incision and drainage of abscess — extraoral soft tissue, complicated |
| D7560 | Maxillary sinusotomy for removal of tooth fragment or foreign body |
Questions about D7550
What procedure is D7550?
It is the oral and maxillofacial surgery code for partial ostectomy/sequestrectomy for removal of non-vital bone, and it means that specific procedure and no other.
What should I expect to pay for D7550?
Usually somewhere in $600–$1,600 as a gross fee. The code fixes what was done, not what it costs, so ask for the practice's own figure in writing.
Does dental insurance cover D7550?
Yes on most policies, treated as basic / major oral surgery work at typically 70–80%. A waiting period on a new policy is the commonest reason it is not.
What is the difference between D7550 and D7560?
D7560 is maxillary sinusotomy for removal of tooth fragment or foreign body: it opens the maxillary sinus to retrieve a tooth fragment or other foreign body pushed into it during an extraction. One does not substitute for the other; if both are listed, ask what each appointment is actually for.
Also known as: dental abscess, incision and drainage, facial swelling, pus, dental infection.