D7877 — Arthroscopy: debridement (TMJ)
D7877 debrides the joint arthroscopically, clearing loose and inflamed tissue out of it.
This is one of 22 closely related temporomandibular joint treatment codes. The treatment is explained in full in the temporomandibular joint treatment guide — this page is about what makes this particular code different.
What the number specifies, what it costs, what your plan is likely to do with it, and the named differences between it and the codes around it — in that order.
Not to be confused with
D7876 — Arthroscopy: discectomy (TMJ): It is the same procedure with one word changed: discectomy rather than debridement.
D7875 — Arthroscopy: synovectomy (TMJ): It is the same procedure with one word changed: synovectomy rather than debridement.
D7874 — Arthroscopy: disc repositioning and stabilization (TMJ): It is the same procedure specified for disc repositioning and stabilization rather than for debridement.
D7880 — Occlusal orthotic device, by report (TMJ/TMD): It is the by-report code used when nothing more specific fits.
D7877 sits in a group of 22 codes in total; the remainder are linked at the foot of this page. Two of these codes on one estimate is not necessarily an error, but it is always worth asking what each line is for.
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.
Questions about D7877
D7877 — what is it?
D7877 records arthroscopy: debridement, TMJ — one of the oral and maxillofacial surgery codes.
What is the typical fee for D7877?
Plan for $2,000–$8,000 as the full fee. Two practices a few miles apart can sit at opposite ends of that range for the same work.
Is D7877 a covered benefit?
In most cases yes, at the medical / dental — often excluded rate: 0–50%. The annual maximum is what usually decides how much of that you actually see.
What is the difference between D7877 and D7876?
D7876 is arthroscopy: discectomy, TMJ: it is the same procedure with one word changed: discectomy rather than debridement. The rest of the procedure is the same, which is why the two get substituted for one another on estimates.
Also known as: TMJ, TMD, jaw joint pain, arthrocentesis, jaw clicking, occlusal orthotic.