D7960 — Frenulectomy (frenectomy) — retired code, replaced by D7961/D7962
D7960 was the single frenectomy code before the code set split it by site, and is retired in favour of D7961 and D7962.
four codes describe frenectomy, and this is one of them. What separates it from the other three is the subject of this page; the frenectomy guide covers the treatment itself.
The sections that follow deal with the requirements, the fee, the claim, and the neighbouring codes — the last of which is where most of the confusion starts.
D7960 compared with its closest relatives
D7961 — Buccal / labial frenectomy (frenulectomy): It releases the band of tissue between lip and gum, the fold that can drag the gum away or hold a gap open between the front teeth.
D7962 — Lingual frenectomy (frenulectomy) — tongue-tie release: It releases a tongue-tie, cutting the band under the tongue that is restricting its movement, feeding or speech.
D7963 — Frenuloplasty: It is the reconstructive version, in which the frenum is not simply cut but reshaped, repositioned and sutured.
Those three codes and D7960 are the whole group — nothing else describes this procedure. The safest question to ask is not "what does this cost" but "which code is going on the claim". The first answer changes; the second decides the first.
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 |
|---|---|
| D7960 | Frenulectomy (frenectomy) — retired code, replaced by D7961/D7962 — this page |
| D7961 | Buccal / labial frenectomy (frenulectomy) |
| D7962 | Lingual frenectomy (frenulectomy) — tongue-tie release |
| D7963 | Frenuloplasty |
Questions about D7960
D7960 — what is it?
On a claim, D7960 tells the insurer that what was performed was frenulectomy (frenectomy), retired code, replaced by D7961/D7962.
How much does D7960 cost?
Between $300–$800 in most practices — and that is the figure before any benefit is applied, not what you would pay at the desk.
How do dental plans handle D7960?
Plans generally pay it as basic / major oral surgery treatment, typically 50–80%, subject to whatever is left of your maximum for the year.
What is the difference between D7960 and D7961?
D7961 is buccal / labial frenectomy, frenulectomy: it releases the band of tissue between lip and gum, the fold that can drag the gum away or hold a gap open between the front teeth. Because they describe different work, D7960 and D7961 can legitimately appear on the same treatment plan — they are not alternatives to choose between.
Also known as: frenectomy, tongue tie, lip tie, frenulum, midline diastema.