Resources for dental offices
When patients complain about tooth sensitivity, a simple in-office treatment can provide immediate relief. Dental code D9910 covers the application of desensitizing agents that you apply directly to teeth during an office visit. This article explains when D9910 applies, what documentation supports your claims, and how to avoid common billing errors.
Nov 1, 2025
What is Dental Code D9910?
D9910 describes the application of desensitizing medicament to one or more teeth. The procedure involves applying topical agents like fluoride varnish, potassium nitrate, calcium phosphate compounds, or other desensitizing materials directly to tooth surfaces. You use this code when treating dentinal hypersensitivity that causes discomfort during eating, drinking, or brushing.
D9910 is a per-visit code, not a per-tooth code. You bill it once per appointment regardless of how many teeth you treat during that visit.
Common Terminology
Understanding the clinical language around tooth sensitivity helps you document treatment needs and explain procedures to patients.
Dentinal hypersensitivity: Sharp pain in response to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli caused by exposed dentin tubules
Desensitizing medicament: Topical agents that block tubules or reduce nerve transmission to decrease sensitivity
Fluoride varnish: High-concentration fluoride applied to teeth to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity
Calcium phosphate: Remineralizing compound that fills exposed tubules and reduces pain response
When is D9910 Used?
Tooth sensitivity stems from exposed dentin, recession, enamel loss, or post-procedure irritation. Desensitizing treatments work by blocking tubules or calming nerve responses to stimuli.
Your clinical notes should identify the cause of sensitivity and document why topical treatment is the appropriate first-line approach.
Common Clinical Scenarios
You'll find several situations where applying desensitizing medicament addresses patient complaints and improves comfort.
Gingival recession: When gum tissue recedes and exposes root surfaces, causing sensitivity to temperature changes
Post-scaling sensitivity: After deep cleanings or scaling and root planing, when patients experience temporary increased sensitivity
Erosion or abrasion: When acidic exposure or aggressive brushing wears away enamel and exposes dentin
Post-whitening sensitivity: Following bleaching treatments when patients develop temporary tooth sensitivity
Pre-restorative treatment: Before crown or veneer preparations to reduce discomfort during and after the procedure
When D9910 is NOT Appropriate
Knowing when desensitizing medicament won't solve the problem helps you avoid ineffective treatments and unnecessary claim denials.
Active decay: When sensitivity results from cavities requiring restorative treatment, not topical agents
Cracked teeth: When pain stems from fractures that need bonding, crowns, or other structural repair
Pulpal involvement: When sensitivity indicates pulpitis or infection requiring endodontic treatment
Part of another procedure: When desensitizing agents are applied as a normal step during prophylaxis or restorative work already covered by another code
Preventive fluoride application: When applying fluoride primarily for caries prevention rather than sensitivity relief, use D1206 or D1208 instead
Billing and Insurance Considerations
Documentation determines whether insurance considers D9910 a necessary treatment or a service included in routine care. Clear clinical notes explaining the specific sensitivity complaint and treatment rationale improve approval rates.
Your records should distinguish D9910 from preventive fluoride applications and show why the treatment addresses a specific patient need.
Documentation Requirements
Your clinical records must demonstrate that the desensitizing treatment addresses a documented complaint or clinical finding. Detailed notes support medical necessity and reduce claim denials.
Patient complaint documentation: Record specific sensitivity triggers like cold liquids, sweet foods, or brushing certain areas
Clinical findings: Note exposed root surfaces, areas of recession, erosion, or abrasion visible during examination
Treatment rationale: Explain why desensitizing medicament is appropriate for the patient's specific condition
Product used: Document the specific desensitizing agent applied and the areas treated
Patient response: Record whether treatment provided relief or if additional applications may be needed
Insurance Coverage
Coverage for D9910 varies widely, with many plans considering it part of routine preventive care rather than a separately billable service. Some carriers cover desensitizing treatments only when specific conditions are met.
Medical necessity requirement: Most plans require documented sensitivity complaints, not routine preventive application
Frequency limitations: Many carriers limit D9910 to once or twice per year, similar to fluoride application restrictions
Exclusions for routine care: Some plans exclude D9910 when performed during regular cleanings, considering it part of prophylaxis
Age restrictions: Certain plans only cover desensitizing treatments for adults, excluding pediatric patients
Coordination with fluoride codes: Plans may not cover both D9910 and preventive fluoride codes (D1206, D1208) on the same date
Common Billing Mistakes
Errors in coding D9910 often result from confusion about when the treatment is separately billable versus included in other procedures.
Billing per tooth: Charging multiple units of D9910 for multiple teeth when it's a per-visit code billed once per appointment
Same-day fluoride codes: Billing both D9910 and D1206 or D1208 on the same date without clear differentiation of purpose
Lack of documentation: Submitting claims without notes explaining the sensitivity complaint or clinical need
Routine preventive coding: Using D9910 for routine fluoride application that should be coded as D1206 or D1208
Billing during other procedures: Charging D9910 when desensitizing agents are applied as part of restorative work or scaling procedures
Common Questions About D9910
How often can D9910 be billed?
You can bill D9910 as often as clinically necessary to address patient sensitivity, but insurance coverage typically limits reimbursement. Most dental plans that cover D9910 allow one or two applications per year. Some plans limit it to once every six months or tie it to the same frequency limits as fluoride applications. Check the patient's specific benefits before treatment, as frequency limits vary significantly between carriers and plan types.
What's the difference between D9910 and preventive fluoride codes?
D9910 specifically addresses tooth sensitivity with therapeutic desensitizing agents, while D1206 and D1208 cover fluoride applications for caries prevention. The key distinction is the clinical purpose. Use D9910 when patients complain of sensitivity and you're treating that specific problem. Use D1206 or D1208 when applying fluoride primarily to prevent decay in patients without sensitivity complaints. Your documentation should clearly indicate which purpose applies to avoid confusion and denials.
Can I bill D9910 on the same day as a prophy?
Yes, you can bill D9910 on the same date as prophylaxis (D1110) if the desensitizing treatment addresses a separate clinical need beyond routine cleaning. However, many insurance plans bundle desensitizing medicament into the prophylaxis code and won't pay separately. Your documentation must show that sensitivity treatment was necessary and distinct from routine preventive care. Some offices choose to schedule desensitizing applications on separate appointments to improve reimbursement likelihood.
Do I need to use a specific product for D9910?
No specific product is required for D9910, but documenting what you used strengthens your claim. The code covers various desensitizing agents including fluoride varnish, potassium nitrate, calcium phosphate compounds, glutaraldehyde-based products, and resin-based sealers. Choose the product based on the patient's specific needs and the cause of sensitivity. Recording the product name and concentration in your clinical notes shows you provided therapeutic treatment rather than routine preventive care.
Can I bill D9910 for every patient who gets fluoride varnish?
No, you should only use D9910 when treating documented tooth sensitivity. If you're applying fluoride varnish primarily for caries prevention without a sensitivity complaint, use D1206 (child) or D1208 (adult) instead. Billing D9910 for routine fluoride applications is incorrect coding and may be considered fraudulent if done systematically. Reserve D9910 for cases where patients report sensitivity symptoms and you're applying desensitizing agents to address that specific problem.
Don't Let Staffing Gaps Interrupt Patient Treatment
Providing timely sensitivity treatments and preventive care requires a reliable hygiene team. When last-minute cancellations or vacations leave you short-staffed, patient appointments get pushed back and discomfort continues. Teero gives you access to qualified hygienists who can step in and deliver the care your patients expect. Post your open shifts and find coverage that works for your practice. Contact us today to see how Teero solves yo