10/20/2025
CDT 2026 Code Changes — What Every General Dentist Needs to Know
Effective January 1, 2026
⚠️ Important Note Before We Begin:
The ADA has officially approved the CDT 2026 updates, but the exact new code numbers and full descriptors have not yet been released to the public.
At this stage, only the categories of changes and a few confirmed revisions/deletions (like D2391 and D1352) are available from ADA and industry sources.
The final CDT 2026 code set will be published later this year and implemented January 1, 2026.
This post summarizes what’s been confirmed so far — especially changes that affect general dentistry billing.
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🔹 1. Restorative Updates
➡ D2391 — Revised
Change: Removed the “caries or lesion-depth” qualifier.
When to Use:
For any one-surface posterior composite, regardless of lesion depth.
Simplifies claim submission and eliminates confusion between preventive and restorative reporting.
➡ D1352 — Deleted
Change: Preventive resin restoration (PRR) deleted.
When to Use:
If you previously used D1352 for minimal decay with sealant material, now use D2391 for those restorations.
This ensures compliance and prevents denials after January 1, 2026.
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🔹 2. Diagnostic & Preventive Additions
➡ (New Code) — Point-of-Care Saliva Testing
Change: Adds an in-office saliva test (performed and analyzed chairside).
When to Use:
When saliva analysis is completed in the office using a diagnostic device or kit, not sent to a laboratory.
Useful for caries-risk assessments or oral-systemic health screening.
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🔹 3. Prosthodontic Additions
➡ (New Code) — Duplication of Complete Denture (Maxillary)
➡ (New Code) — Duplication of Complete Denture (Mandibular)
Change: Two new codes for duplicating an existing denture without full fabrication steps.
When to Use:
When the patient requests a “backup” or duplicate denture created using their existing model or impression.
This covers replacement without new clinical records.
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🔹 4. Occlusal Guard Maintenance
➡ (New Code) — Cleaning and Inspection of Occlusal Guard
Change: Adds a preventive maintenance code for professional cleaning and inspection (not repair).
When to Use:
When the patient brings an existing guard for hygiene maintenance or evaluation — typically every 6–12 months.
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🔹 5. Implant Maintenance & Peri-Implantitis Management
➡ (New/Revised Codes)
Change: Adds new codes for peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis management, and refines implant maintenance.
When to Use:
Use for ongoing implant cleaning and supportive care, or when treating inflammation or bone loss around implants.
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🔹 6. Anesthesia Section Overhaul
➡ (Multiple Revisions)
Change: The entire anesthesia section has been reorganized for clarity across nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation.
When to Use:
Follow updated guidelines for route and duration of sedation. These codes will improve documentation consistency.
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🔹 7. Therapeutic & Advanced Procedure Additions
➡ (New Code) — Photobiomodulation Therapy
Change: Adds new code(s) for low-level laser therapy to treat inflammation and promote healing.
When to Use:
When performing post-op laser therapy, soft-tissue healing, or TMD pain management.
➡ (New Code) — Testing for Suspected Cracked Tooth
Change: Adds diagnostic testing code for cracked tooth syndrome.
When to Use:
When performing bite-stick or transillumination tests to confirm crack presence before restoration or crown treatment.
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🗓️ Effective Date
All CDT 2026 changes take effect January 1, 2026.
Plan ahead for software updates, fee-schedule adjustments, and staff training during Fall 2025.
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⚠️ Where Are the Actual Codes?
The ADA has not yet released the official CDT 2026 code numbers for the new and revised procedures.
These will be finalized and distributed to dental software vendors, ADA members, and publishers later this year before implementation in 2026.
Once ADA publishes the final list, I’ll post an updated version with all official codes, descriptions, and examples for general dentistry offices.
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💡 Action Steps for Dental Teams
1. Review your top 25 used codes and note which will change (D2391, D1352, anesthesia, implant maintenance, etc.).
2. Notify your software rep to ensure your PMS is ready for CDT 2026 updates when released.
3. Schedule team training in late 2025 to review the new terminology and clinical documentation needs.
4. Avoid creating fee-schedule updates until final codes are officially released.
5. Stay tuned here — I’ll share a “General Dentist CDT 2026 Quick Reference” once full details are public.
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💬 Let’s stay ahead of the changes!
Comment below if you want me to post the finalized version with full code list the moment ADA releases it.
