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Published September 2026

Who usually does it

general dentist. Done in the general office. Lab analysis is sent out.

One question worth asking

What would this test change about the plan?

Genetic test for gum disease risk

Check-ups and X-raysNot usually coveredD0421

D0421. A cheek swab that looks for genes linked to gum disease; rarely paid by plans.

Small in-office tests that add information to an exam: a cavity risk score, a saliva or bacteria sample, a laser cavity detector, a test of whether a tooth nerve is alive, or a swab for a public health illness. None of these treat anything on their own.

Each of these adds a piece of information rather than treating anything: a decay risk score from a questionnaire, a saliva or bacteria sample, a laser reading on a suspicious groove, or a cold or electric test to see whether a nerve is still alive. They take a few minutes inside a longer visit. Most plans do not pay for them, so ask the office how each one is billed.

Codes for this

D0415Not usually coveredBacteria sample for lab testingA sample from a gum pocket is sent to a lab to identify the bacteria.per visit · Rarely doneD0416Not usually coveredViral culture testA swab sent to a lab to check for a virus, such as a cold sore virus.per visit · Rarely doneD0417Not usually coveredSaliva sample collectionCollecting saliva to send to a lab; the analysis is a separate code.per visit · Rarely doneD0418Not usually coveredSaliva lab analysisThe lab work on a saliva sample, billed separately from collecting it.per visit · Rarely doneD0419Not usually coveredSaliva flow testMeasures how much saliva you make, used when dry mouth is suspected.per visit · Rarely doneD0421Not usually coveredGenetic test for gum disease riskA cheek swab that looks for genes linked to gum disease; rarely paid by plans.per visit · Rarely doneD0425Not usually coveredCavity risk lab testA lab test of the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities.per visit · Rarely doneD0460BasicTooth nerve (vitality) testCold or a small electric signal is applied to a tooth to see if the nerve responds; often part of deciding on a root canal.per tooth · Done sometimesD0600Not usually coveredLaser cavity detectionA light-based device that helps find early cavities without X-rays.per visit · Done sometimesD0601PreventiveCavity risk assessment, low riskThe dentist records that your cavity risk is low; the three risk codes differ only by the result.per visit · Done sometimesD0602PreventiveCavity risk assessment, moderate riskThe dentist records that your cavity risk is moderate.per visit · Done sometimesD0603PreventiveCavity risk assessment, high riskThe dentist records that your cavity risk is high, which may support extra fluoride or sealants.per visit · Done sometimesD0604Not usually coveredRapid antigen testA quick swab test for an illness such as COVID-19, done before treatment.per visit · Rarely doneD0605Not usually coveredAntibody testA blood or saliva test showing past exposure to an illness rather than a current infection.per visit · Rarely doneD0606Not usually coveredPCR-type testA lab-processed swab test that is more precise than the rapid antigen test.per visit · Rarely done

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Genetic test for gum disease risk (D0421): what happens, step by step | TruthMolar