How to Bill and Code Solea Laser Procedures in Dentistry: A Guide for Dental Billers

The rise of laser technology in dentistry—particularly the Solea laser—has introduced exciting clinical advancements. But for dental billers, it has also raised an important question: “How do I properly code and bill Solea laser procedures?” If your practice has adopted this CO₂-based laser system, understanding how to navigate CDT codes and documentation requirements is essential for ensuring clean claims and faster reimbursements.

This comprehensive guide walks you through how the Solea laser fits into existing CDT codes, the documentation requirements that support medical necessity, and common insurance considerations that impact reimbursement. Let’s break it all down.

What Is the Solea Laser? Why Dental Practices Are Using It

The Solea laser is a fast, precise dental laser powered by a unique 9.3 μm CO₂ wavelength. It’s used for both hard and soft tissue procedures and has gained popularity due to its:

• Anesthesia-free performance in most cases

• Reduced need for drilling

• Minimal bleeding and faster healing

• Shorter chair time and increased efficiency

Common Solea Laser Procedures

Dental providers use Solea for a wide variety of procedures, including:

• Cavity preparations (without anesthesia)

• Gingivectomies and gingival recontouring

• Frenectomies

• Crown lengthening

• Soft tissue biopsies

• Alveoloplasty

• Operculectomies

For billers, it’s important to remember this: the use of a laser does not dictate the CDT code. The procedure itself—what was done, not how—is what matters when selecting the proper code.

CDT Coding for Solea Laser Procedures: What Billers Must Know

Let’s clear up a common misconception: There is no Solea-specific CDT code. You must use the CDT code that matches the procedure, regardless of whether it was performed with a traditional handpiece or a laser.

CDT Code Categories Commonly Used with Solea:

💡 Pro tip: Always verify whether the procedure is therapeutic or cosmetic. Cosmetic procedures (e.g., smile line gingival contouring) are not reimbursable under most dental plans.

Should You Use a Modifier or Narrative for Laser Use?

While CDT does not require a modifier for laser use, some carriers may require a narrative or documentation to justify the treatment, especially when Solea is used for soft tissue procedures or to avoid anesthesia. Narratives should include:

• Clinical rationale

• Benefits of laser usage

• Patient tolerance

• Absence of anesthesia, if applicable

Proper Documentation: Your Best Defense for Claim Approval

If a claim is ever questioned or denied, solid documentation will be your best asset.

Key Documentation Elements:

1. Procedure performed (not just “laser used”)

2. Diagnosis or reason for treatment

3. Details of laser application

4. Clinical outcomes or patient experience

   • e.g., “No local anesthesia required,” “Minimal bleeding,” etc.

5. Narrative explanation, when appropriate

Sample Clinical Note:

“Tooth #30 required restoration due to carious lesion. Cavity was prepared using Solea laser. No anesthesia administered. Laser provided precise and bloodless preparation. Composite restoration placed using D2392.”

Insurance Considerations: What You Need to Watch For

One of the biggest challenges in billing for Solea procedures is inconsistent insurance coverage.

What You Need to Know:

• Laser use itself is not billable. CDT does not reimburse for technology, only procedures.

• Payers may require documentation to justify the procedure. Especially true for frenectomies and gingival contouring.

• Preauthorization may be needed for soft tissue surgeries or surgeries not typically covered.

Common Reasons for Denial:

• Insufficient documentation

• Procedure deemed cosmetic (e.g., gingival sculpting)

• No clinical necessity noted

• Code used does not match service performed

Tips for Preventing Denials:

✅ Use proper CDT codes
✅ Include detailed clinical notes
✅ Submit narratives for soft tissue or surgical cases
✅ Get preapproval when in doubt
✅ Educate your providers about coding and documentation requirements

Real-World Coding Examples Using the Solea Laser

To make this more concrete, here are real-world case studies from Solea-using practices:

Example 1: No-Anesthesia Cavity Preparation

• Procedure: Class II composite filling on #19

• Laser Used: Solea for pain-free prep

• Code: D2392 (2-surface posterior composite)

• Documentation Tip: Note “No anesthesia required; Solea laser used for minimally invasive prep. Tooth structure preserved.”

Example 2: Frenectomy for Speech Issues in Child

• Procedure: Lingual frenectomy

• Laser Used: Solea

• Code: D7961

• Narrative Suggestion: “Patient presents with restricted lingual frenum impacting speech. Laser frenectomy performed for functional improvement. No sutures required.”

Example 3: Gingival Recontouring Around Anterior Crowns

• Procedure: Gingival reshaping for esthetics

• Laser Used: Solea

• Code: D4212 (gingivoplasty), or may be considered cosmetic

• Billing Tip: Submit photos and narrative. Verify with payer. Many carriers do not cover this unless for restorative access or inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a CDT code for Solea laser use?

No. CDT codes reflect the procedure, not the tool. Solea laser use should be reflected in documentation or narrative, not in the code itself.

2. What do I do if a carrier denies the procedure due to laser use?

Appeal the denial with supporting documentation and clinical rationale. Point out that the procedure was medically necessary and performed in accordance with CDT coding guidelines.

3. Should I include the word “laser” in the claim?

Yes, in the narrative or notes. Not as part of the code itself. This can help provide context for why anesthesia was not needed, or why a surgical code was used.

4. Can Solea procedures be billed to medical insurance?

Only in rare cases, such as certain biopsies, frenectomies, or if part of medically necessary oral surgery. You must verify with the medical carrier and may need ICD-10 coding.

Final Takeaways: Nail the Coding, Maximize the Reimbursement

Here’s a quick recap of how to successfully bill Solea laser procedures:

• Use the appropriate CDT code for the procedure, not the device.

• Document thoroughly, especially when anesthesia is not used.

• Include narratives for soft tissue and surgical procedures.

• Verify with carriers about coverage and preauthorization.

• Educate your clinical team to chart and document Solea usage consistently.

By taking these steps, you’ll ensure your billing aligns with CDT standards and improves claim acceptance rates.

Bonus Resources for Dental Billers

Want to become an expert coder? Become a Certified Dental Coder (CDC) with the ADCA