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2025 CPT code 21497

Interdental wiring for jaw injury (excluding fractures).

Use only when no fracture is present.Appropriate fracture codes should be used if a fracture is present.

Modifiers 54 (surgical care only) and 76 (repeat procedure) may apply in certain circumstances.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of a jaw injury requiring immobilization to promote healing and reduce pain.Fractures are excluded.

The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for preparing the patient, administering anesthesia (if needed), applying the interdental wiring, and ensuring proper jaw immobilization.

IMPORTANT:Not to be used for jaw fractures; use appropriate fracture codes instead.

In simple words: The doctor uses wires between the teeth to hold the jaw in place to help it heal after an injury that didn't break the jawbone, like a dislocated jaw joint.

Application of interdental wiring to immobilize the jaws, indicated for jaw injuries not involving fractures, such as temporomandibular joint dislocation.The procedure involves preparing the patient, anesthetizing the area, and then applying the wiring to stabilize the jaw.

Example 1: A patient presents with a temporomandibular joint dislocation. Interdental wiring is applied to stabilize the jaw, allowing for reduction and healing., A patient experiences a jaw injury due to trauma, but imaging reveals no fractures. Interdental wiring provides stabilization to promote healing and reduce pain., Following jaw surgery that doesn't involve a fracture, interdental wiring is used to maintain proper jaw alignment during the healing process.

* Detailed history of the presenting complaint, including mechanism of injury.* Clinical examination findings documenting the jaw injury.* Imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) ruling out fractures.* Operative report describing the procedure, including the type of wiring used and the number of teeth involved.* Postoperative instructions provided to the patient.

** This code should only be used for non-fracture related jaw injuries requiring interdental wiring for immobilization.Always confirm the absence of fractures through appropriate imaging.

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