New CDT classification means 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Ultimate restorative receives same reimbursement as other porcelain/ceramic materials

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Jan. 11, 2013 – Effective Jan. 1, 2013, 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Ultimate Restorative will fall under the CDT Code’s broadened definition of porcelain/ceramic materials, thus allowing Lava Ultimate restorative to be classified as a porcelain/ceramic. This classification is solely to aid selection of the appropriate procedure code to achieve uniformity, consistency and specificity in accurately reporting dental treatment.

Lava Ultimate restorative is a new material formulated from a blend of approximately 80 percent nanoceramic particles embedded in a highly cured resin matrix using a proprietary 3M manufacturing process. When the material was originally launched, the ADA’s CDT Code nomenclature did not yet reflect the advances in material science that Lava Ultimate restorative represents, resulting in challenges with selecting the proper dental procedure code for insurance reimbursement.With the broadened definition for indirect porcelain/ceramic restorations, Lava Ultimate restorative will fall under any CDT code defined for ceramics, allowing for the same rate of reimbursement as other ceramic materials.

"With this change, effective January 1, 2013, we want to ensure that all dentists know about the broadened definition of porcelain/ceramics and what it means for their practice,” said John Stefanick, director of industry and professional relations, 3M ESPE. “This broadened definition of porcelain/ceramics in the CDT Code helps to make the benefits of advanced material science accessible to more patients.”

The insurance reimbursement enabled by the revised definition of porcelain/ceramic materials will make it even easier for dentists to take advantage of Lava Ultimate restorative’s functionality, providing restorations that are strong as well as kind to opposing dentition. The restorations can be repaired intraorally if necessary, and are backed by a 10-year warranty from 3M ESPE.

With the ability to now code Lava Ultimate restorative like other porcelain/ceramic materials for insurance reimbursement, even more dentists and patients can experience the outstanding qualities of this material.