Understanding Dental Code D7953: Bone Replacement Graft  for Ridge Preservation

What is the CDT code for Bone Graft?

CDT is the dental procedure code set used to describe what was done clinically so it can be billed consistently.

Here is the key point: the “right” bone graft dental code depends on what site you are treating and when the graft is placed.

Where D7953 fits

In the ADA CDT set, D7953 is described as a graft placed in an extraction site or implant removal site at the time of removal to preserve ridge integrity, typically for future implant or prosthetic needs. It also states it does not include obtaining graft material, and membrane use is reported separately.

That is why this code is commonly referred to as bone replacement graft for ridge preservation, and also why people call it the ADA code for bone replacement graft.

What are the Related Accessory Codes?

What is the Purpose of CDT Codes for the Bone Grafting Process?

How Does the CDT Code for Dental Bone Graft Works?

The core meaning of CLIA in medical billing?

Not relevant here. For grafts, the key is site and timing.

How D7953 is defined in practice

Per the ADA guidance, D7953 is used when the graft is placed in an extraction site or implant removal site at the time of extraction or removal for ridge integrity, and it clarifies two billing realities. It does not include obtaining graft material, and membrane use should be reported separately (if used). So, on your claim, you should usually include:

1. Tooth number or implant site
2. Extraction or implant removal date
3. Clear narrative that this was ridge preservation
4. Materials used and whether a membrane was placed (and coded separately if applicable)

When to Use Dental Code (and when d7953 dental code is the wrong choice)

Use the D7953 dental code when:

1. A tooth is extracted (or an implant is removed)
2. A graft is placed right then
3. The goal is preserving ridge shape for a later implant or prosthetic plan

Do not use d7953 dental code when the implant is placed the same day.

AAOMS guidance is clear: if the implant is placed at the time of extraction and the graft is placed to fill gaps or augment around that implant, D6104 is the appropriate code, and D7953 should not be used in that scenario.

This distinction is one of the biggest reasons ridge preservation claims get denied: the site story and code story do not match.

Patient Considerations and Expectations

From a patient's viewpoint, ridge preservation usually means:

1. They may have a little more post op care than a simple extraction
2. Healing can take months before implant placement (depending on the case)
3. They may need good home care and follow up visits to protect the site

From a billing viewpoint, patients need upfront clarity:

1. Many plans treat socket preservation differently
2. Some cover it for implant preparation, some limit it, and some bundle it into other services

The Selection Process: Determining the Right Approach

Clinically, the provider is usually deciding:

1. Is ridge preservation needed now, or can the site heal naturally?
2. Is the patient planning an implant, bridge, or removable prosthetic?
3. Is the socket intact enough for a predictable ridge preservation result?
4. Is the plan immediate implant (often D6104) or delayed implant (often D7953)?

Your documentation should reflect that decision logic in simple terms.

Materials Used in CDT D7953 Grafts: Autograft vs Allograft vs Synthetic

Ridge preservation can use different materials. Common categories:

Autograft: Bone from the same patient. Sometimes it is harvested locally, sometimes from a different donor site. If harvesting is separately performed and not included, that may require separate coding and clear notes.

Allograft: Processed donor human bone material. Often used because it avoids a second surgical harvest site.

Xenograft and synthetic options: Some materials come from non human sources, and others are fully synthetic. ADA guidance also discusses that non autogenous materials include alloplastic and xenograft materials. The claim does not need a “special code” for the brand of material, but your clinical notes should clearly name what was used.

Documentation Requirements for Successful D7953 Claim Reimbursement

If you want fewer denials, your notes should make it easy for an auditor to answer: “What site, what goal, what was placed, and why?”

A strong D7953 documentation set typically includes:

1. Tooth number (or implant site) and extraction details
2. Diagnosis and reason ridge preservation was clinically needed
3. Statement that this was ridge preservation for future implant or prosthetic plan
4. Type of graft material (autograft, allograft, synthetic)
5. Whether a membrane was used and how it was reported separately when applicable
6. Pre-op and post-op images per your office standard and payer preference

Bundling Rules: What Can’t Be Billed with D7953 Bone Grafts

Two common “do not” rules:

Do not report D7953 when the implant is placed the same day. Use the implant time graft code instead (commonly D6104).

Do not use retained tooth graft codes for extraction sites. For example, D4263 is not for edentulous spaces or extraction sites.

Is d7953 dental code covered by insurance?

Coverage is plan-specific. Even payer clinical policies often state that listing a code does not guarantee payment and that benefits are determined by the member plan.
That said, some payer guidance notes ridge preservation grafting may be considered when loss of ridge volume would affect prosthesis fit or when preparing a site for an implant.

Practical tip: if the case is high dollar or likely to be questioned, send a pre authorization with a simple narrative and supporting imaging.

Conclusion

D7953 dental code is best thought of as the socket preservation code: graft placed at the time of extraction or implant removal to protect the ridge shape for future treatment. The fastest way to reduce denials is to match the code to the timing (no same-day implant placement), match it to the site (socket, not a retained tooth defect), and document the “why” in one clear paragraph.

To learn more about dental coding, connect with our experts at Capline Dental Services. We’re here to help you. Contact us today.

FAQ

What is CDT code 7950?

D7950 is generally used for ridge augmentation or reconstruction (often per arch) when building an edentulous ridge for future implant placement. AAOMS also notes it should not be used if an extraction or implant removal happened the same day, and it is not used at the time of implant placement.

What is the difference between 7953 and 4263?

1. D7953 is for ridge preservation in an extraction or implant removal site
2. D4263 is for grafting around a retained natural tooth and is not reported for extraction sites

Why is bone grafting not covered by insurance?

Some plans see certain grafts as elective, preventive for future treatment, or included in another service. Others cover it only when tied to a documented prosthetic or implant plan. Always check the member plan and consider pre-authorization for ridge preservation.

How long does a D7953 bone graft take to integrate before implants?

It varies by site and material. Many clinicians plan implant placement after a healing period once the ridge is stable. Your surgeon’s clinical protocol and imaging will guide the timing.