CPT® Code 64738

The CPT® Code 64738 refers to the procedure of transection or avulsion of the inferior alveolar nerve through an osteotomy. This surgical intervention involves severing or removing a portion of the inferior alveolar nerve, which is primarily performed to alleviate chronic pain. The inferior alveolar nerve is a significant nerve that runs through the mandible and is responsible for sensation in the lower jaw, including the teeth and gums. The procedure can be approached either intraorally, through the mouth, or extraorally, through an incision on the outside of the jaw. In the case of an extraoral approach, the mental nerve, a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, is first exposed, allowing access to the underlying structures. The surgical technique involves incising the periosteum over the mandibular ramus and creating an opening in the bone, typically using a drill. This allows the surgeon to reach the neural canal, where the inferior alveolar nerve is located. Once exposed, the nerve can be transected or avulsed, effectively severing its function to relieve the patient of chronic pain associated with nerve-related conditions.