Part 3 of our dental code series lists 218 CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes from D1120 to D5811, grouped by category: preventive, restorative, endodontic, periodontic and removable prosthodontic procedures. Each table gives the code and its descriptor so billing teams can find the right code quickly and check it against the clinical note.
Choosing the correct dental code is one of the most important steps in dental billing. A code that does not match the documented procedure, tooth, surface or arch is a common reason for denied or delayed dental claims. Codes are also added, revised and deleted every year, so a code that was valid last year may no longer be accepted.
Related service: Dental Billing & Coding. Other parts of this series: Dental Codes Part 1 and Dental Codes Part 2.
Note: the codes and descriptors below reflect the CDT code set when this article was published in 2021 (some carry their effective or deletion date). The American Dental Association updates CDT every year, with changes taking effect on January 1. Always confirm a code against the current CDT manual and the payer’s policy before submitting a claim.
How CDT codes are organized
Every CDT code starts with the letter D followed by four digits. The first digit after the D shows the category of service, which is why the tables below are grouped by code range:
- Preventive dental codes (D1000–D1999)
- Restorative dental codes (D2000–D2999)
- Endodontic dental codes (D3000–D3999)
- Periodontic dental codes (D4000–D4999)
- Removable prosthodontic dental codes (D5000–D5899)
Preventive dental codes (D1000–D1999)
Preventive codes cover cleanings for children, fluoride, counseling, oral hygiene instruction, sealants, caries-arresting medicaments and the placement or removal of space maintainers.
| CDT code | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| D1120 | Prophylaxis-Child Removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the tooth structures and implants in the primary and transitional dentition. It is intended to control local irritational factors |
| D1206 | Topical application of fluoride varnish Application of topical fluoride varnish, delivered in a single visit and involving the entire oral cavity. Not to be used for desensitization |
| D1208 | Topical application of fluoride-excluding varnish |
| D1310 | Nutritional counseling for control of the dental disease Counseling on food selection and dietary habit as a part of treatment and control of periodontal disease and caries |
| D1320 | Tobacco counseling for the control and prevention of oral disease Tobacco prevention and cessation services reduce patient risks of developing tobacco-related oral disease and conditions and improves the prognosis for certain dental therapies |
| D1321 | Counseling for the control and prevention of adverse oral, behavioral, and systemic health effects associated with high-risk substance use (Effective 01/01/2021) |
| D1330 | Oral hygiene instructions This may include instructions for home care. Examples include tooth brushing technique, flossing, and use of special oral hygiene aids |
| D1351 | Sealant-per tooth Mechanically and/or chemically prepared enamel surface sealed to prevent decay |
| D1353 | Sealant repair-per tooth |
| D1354 | Interim caries arresting medicament application |
| D1355 | Caries preventive medicament application – per tooth (Effective 01/01/2021) |
| D1516 | Fixed bilateral space maintainer, maxillary |
| D1517 | Fixed bilateral space maintainer, mandibular |
| D1526 | Remove bilateral space maintainer, maxillary |
| D1527 | Remove bilateral space maintainer, mandibular |
| D1556 | Removal of fixed unilateral space maintainer-per quadrant |
| D1557 | Removal of fixed bilateral space maintainer-maxillary |
| D1558 | Removal of fixed bilateral space maintainer-mandibular |
Restorative dental codes (D2000–D2999)
Restorative codes report amalgam and resin-based composite fillings, gold foil, inlays and onlays, crowns, re-cementation, core buildups, posts, veneers and repairs. Most are reported per tooth and many depend on the number of surfaces, so the surfaces in the clinical note must match the code.
| CDT code | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| D2140 | Amalgam-one surface, primary or permanent |
| D2150 | Amalgam-two surfaces, primary or permanent |
| D2160 | Amalgam-three surfaces, primary or permanent |
| D2161 | Amalgam-four or more surfaces, primary or permanent |
| D2330 | Resin-based composite-one surface, anterior |
| D2331 | Resin-based composite-two surfaces, anterior |
| D2332 | Resin-based composite-three surfaces, anterior |
| D2335 | Resin-based composite-four or more surfaces or involving incisal angle (anterior) Incisal angle to be defined as one of the angles formed by the junction of the incisal and the mesial or distal surface of an anterior tooth |
| D2390 | Resin-based composite crown, anterior Full resin-based composite coverage of tooth |
| D2391 | Resin-based composite-one surface-posterior Used to restore a carious lesion into the dentin or a deeply eroded area into the dentin. Not a preventive procedure |
| D2392 | Resin-based composite-two surfaces-posterior |
| D2393 | Resin-based composite-three surfaces-posterior |
| D2394 | Resin-based composite-four or more surfaces-posterior |
| D2410 | Gold foil-one surface |
| D2420 | Gold foil-two surfaces |
| D2430 | Gold foil-three surfaces |
| D2510 | Inlay-metallic-one surface |
| D2520 | Inlay-metallic-two surfaces |
| D2530 | Inlay-metallic-three or more surfaces |
| D2542 | Onlay-metallic-two surfaces |
| D2543 | Onlay-metallic-three surfaces |
| D2544 | Onlay-metallic-four or more surfaces |
| D2610 | Inlay-porcelain/ceramic-one surface |
| D2620 | Inlay-porcelain/ceramic-two surfaces |
| D2630 | Inlay-porcelain/ceramic-three or more surfaces |
| D2642 | Onlay-porcelain/ceramic-two surfaces |
| D2643 | Onlay-porcelain/ceramic-three surfaces |
| D2644 | Onlay-porcelain/ceramic-four or more surfaces |
| D2650 | Inlay-resin-based composite-one surface |
| D2651 | Inlay-resin-based composite-two surfaces |
| D2652 | Inlay-resin-based composite-three or more surfaces |
| D2662 | Onlay-resin-based composite-two surfaces |
| D2663 | Onlay-resin-based composite-three surfaces |
| D2664 | Onlay-resin-based composite-four or more surfaces |
| D2710 | Crown-resin-based composite (indirect) |
| D2712 | Crown-3/4 resin-based composite (indirect) |
| D2720 | Crown-resin with high noble metal |
| D2721 | Crown-resin with predominantly base metal |
| D2722 | Crown-resin with noble metal |
| D2740 | Crown-porcelain/ceramic substrate |
| D2750 | Crown-porcelain fused to high noble metal |
| D2751 | Crown-porcelain fused to the predominantly base metal |
| D2752 | Crown-porcelain fused to noble metal |
| D2753 | Crown-porcelain fused to titanium and titanium alloys |
| D2780 | Crown-3/4 cast high noble metal |
| D2781 | Crown-3/4 cast predominantly base metal |
| D2782 | Crown-3/4 cast noble metal |
| D2783 | Crown-3/4 porcelain/ceramic |
| D2790 | Crown-full cast high noble metal |
| D2791 | Crown-full cast predominantly base metal |
| D2792 | Crown-full cast noble metal |
| D2794 | Crown-titanium and titanium alloys |
| D2799 | Provisional crown-further treatment or completion of diagnosis necessary prior to final impression Crown utilized as an interim restoration of at least six months duration during restorative treatment to allow adequate time for healing or completion of other procedures. This includes, but is not limited to changing vertical dimension, completing periodontal therapy, or cracked-tooth syndrome. This is not to be used as a temporary crown for a routine prosthetic restoration |
| D2910 | Re-cement or re-bond inlay, onlay, veneer, or partial coverage restoration |
| D2915 | Re-cement or re-bond indirectly fabricated or prefabricated post and core dental Services: CDT Codes UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Policy Appendix: Applicable Code List approval 12/09/2020 Proprietary Information of UnitedHealthcare. Copyright 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc |
| D2920 | Re-cement or re-bond crown |
| D2921 | Reattachment of tooth fragment, incisal edge, or cusp |
| D2928 | Prefabricated porcelain/ceramic crown – permanent tooth (Effective 01/01/2021) |
| D2929 | Prefabricated porcelain/ceramic crown-primary tooth |
| D2930 | Prefabricated stainless-steel crown-primary tooth |
| D2931 | Prefabricated stainless-steel crown-permanent tooth |
| D2932 | Prefabricated resin crown |
| D2933 | Prefabricated stainless-steel crown with resin window Open-face stainless steel crown with aesthetic resin facing or veneer |
| D2934 | Prefabricated esthetic coated stainless steel crown-primary tooth |
| D2940 | Protective restoration Temporary restoration intended to relieve pain. Not to be used as a base or liner under a restoration |
| D2941 | Interim therapeutic restoration-primary dentition |
| D2949 | Restorative foundation for an indirect restoration |
| D2950 | Core buildup, including any pins, when required, Refers to building up of anatomical crown when restorative crown will be placed, whether or not pins are used. A material is placed in the tooth preparation for a crown when there is insufficient tooth strength and retention for the crown procedure. This should not be reported when the procedure only involves a filler to eliminate any undercut, box form, or concave irregularity in the preparation |
| D2951 | Pin retention-per tooth, in addition to restoration |
| D2952 | Post and core in addition to the crown, indirectly fabricated Post and core are customs fabricated as a single unit |
| D2953 | Each additional indirectly fabricated post-same tooth |
| D2954 | Prefabricated post and core in addition to crown Core is built around a prefabricated post. This procedure includes the core material |
| D2955 | Post removal For removal of posts (e.g., fractured posts) not to be used in conjunction with endodontic retreatment (D3346, D3347, D3348) |
| D2957 | Each additional prefabricated post-same tooth |
| D2960 | Labial veneer (resin laminate) direct |
| D2961 | Labial veneer (resin laminate) indirect Refers to labial/facial indirect resin bonded veneers |
| D2962 | Labial veneer (porcelain laminate) indirect Refers also to facial veneers that extend interproximally and/or cover the incisal edge. Porcelain/ceramic veneers presently include all-ceramic and porcelain veneers |
| D2971 | Additional procedures to construct new crown under existing partial denture framework |
| D2975 | Coping A thin covering of the remaining portion of a tooth, usually fabricated of metal and devoid of anatomic contour. This is to be used as a definitive restoration |
| D2980 | Crown repair necessitated by restorative material failure Includes removal of crown, if necessary |
| D2981 | Inlay repair necessitated by restorative material failure |
| D2982 | Onlay repair necessitated by restorative material failure |
| D2983 | Veneer repair necessitated by restorative material failure |
| D2990 | Resin infiltration of incipient smooth surface lesions |
Endodontic dental codes (D3000–D3999)
Endodontic codes cover pulp caps, pulpotomy and pulpal therapy, root canal therapy and retreatment by tooth type, apexification, pulpal regeneration, apicoectomy and other periradicular surgery. Root canal codes exclude the final restoration, which is reported separately.
| CDT code | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| D3110 | Pulp cap-direct (excluding final restoration) Procedure in which the exposed pulp is covered with a dressing or cement that protects the pulp and promotes healing and repair |
| D3120 | Pulp cap-indirect (excluding final restoration) Procedure in which the nearly exposed pulp is covered with a protective dressing to protect the pulp from additional injury and to promote healing and repair via formation of secondary dentin |
| D3220 | Therapeutic pulpotomy (excluding final restoration)-removal of pulp coronal to the dentinocemental junction and application of medicament Pulpotomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the pulp with the aim of maintaining the vitality of the remaining portion by means of an adequate dressing. To be performed on primary or permanent teeth. This is not to be construed as the first stage of root canal therapy. Not to be used for Apexogenesis |
| D3221 | Pulpal debridement, primary and permanent teeth Pulpal debridement for the relief of acute pain prior to conventional root canal therapy. This procedure is not to be used when endodontic treatment is completed on the same day |
| D3222 | Partial pulpotomy for an apexogenesis-permanent tooth with incomplete root development Removal of a portion of the pulp and application of a medicament with the aim of maintaining the vitality of the remaining portion to encourage continued physiological development and formation of the root. This procedure is not to be construed as the first stage of root canal therapy |
| D3230 | Pulpal therapy (resorbable filling)-anterior, primary tooth (excluding final restoration) Primary incisors and cuspids |
| D3240 | Pulpal therapy (resorbable filling)-posterior, primary tooth (excluding final restoration) Primary first and second molars |
| D3310 | Endodontic therapy, an anterior tooth (excluding final restoration) |
| D3320 | Endodontic therapy, a bicuspid tooth (excluding final restoration) |
| D3330 | Endodontic therapy, molar (excluding final restoration) |
| D3331 | Treatment of root canal obstruction; non-surgical access In lieu of surgery, for the formation of a pathway to achieve an apical seal without surgical intervention because of a non-negotiable root canal blocked by foreign bodies, including but not limited to separated instruments, broken posts or calcification of 50% or more of the length of the tooth root |
| D3332 | Incomplete endodontic therapy; inoperable, unrestorable or fractured tooth Considerable time is necessary to determine the diagnosis and/or provide initial treatment before the fracture makes the tooth unretainable |
| D3333 | Internal root repair of perforation defects Non-surgical seal of perforation caused by resorption and/or decay but not iatrogenic by provider filing claim |
| D3346 | Retreatment of previous root canal therapy-anterior |
| D3347 | Retreatment of previous root canal therapy-bicuspid |
| D3348 | Retreatment of previous root canal therapy-molar |
| D3351 | Apexification/recalcification-initial visit (apical closure/calcific repair of perforations, root resorption, pulp space disinfection, etc.) Includes opening tooth, pulpectomy, preparation of canal spaces, first placement of the medication, and necessary radiographs. (This procedure includes the first phase of complete root canal therapy.) |
| D3352 | Apexification/recalcification-interim medication replacement (apical closure/calcific repair of perforations, root resorption, pulp space disinfection, etc.) For visits in which the intra-canal medication is replaced with new medication and necessary radiographs. There may be several of these visits |
| D3353 | Apexification/recalcification-final visit (apical closure/calcific repair of perforations, root resorption, pulp space disinfection, etc.) Includes removal of intra-canal medication and procedures necessary to place final root canal filling material including necessary radiographs. (This procedure includes the last phase of complete root canal therapy) |
| D3355 | Pulpal regeneration-initial visit |
| D3356 | Pulpal regeneration-interim medication replacement |
| D3357 | Pulpal regeneration-completion of treatment |
| D3410 | Apicoectomy/periradicular surgery-anterior For surgery on the root of an anterior tooth. Does not include placement of retrograde filling material |
| D3421 | Apicoectomy/periradicular surgery-bicuspid (first root) For surgery on one root of a bicuspid. Does not include placement of retrograde filling material. If more than one root is treated, see D3426] |
| D3425 | Apicoectomy/periradicular surgery-molar (first root) For surgery on one root of a molar tooth. Does not include placement of retrograde filling material. If more than one root is treated, see D3426 |
| D3426 | Apicoectomy/periradicular surgery (each additional root) Typically used for bicuspids and molar surgeries when more than one root is treated during the same procedure. This does not include retrograde filling material placement |
| D3427 | Periradicular surgery without apicoectomy (Deleted 12/31/2020) |
| D3428 | Bone graft in conjunction with periradicular surgery-per tooth, single site |
| D3429 | Bone graft in conjunction with periradicular surgery-each additional contiguous tooth in the same surgical site |
| D3430 | Retrograde filling-per root For placement of retrograde filling material during periradicular surgery procedures. If more than one filling is placed in one root report as D3999 and describe |
| D3431 | Biologic materials to aid in soft and osseous tissue regeneration in conjunction with periradicular surgery |
| D3432 | Guided tissue regeneration, resorbable barrier, per site, in conjunction with periradicular surgery Basic |
| D3450 | Root amputation-per root Root resection of a multi-rooted tooth while leaving the crown. If the crown is sectioned, see D3920 |
| D3470 | Intentional reimplantation (including necessary splinting) For the intentional removal, inspection, and treatment of the root and replacement of a tooth into its own socket. This does not include necessary retrograde filling material placement |
| D3471 | Surgical repair of root resorption – anterior (Effective 01/01/2021) |
| D3472 | Surgical repair of root resorption – premolar (Effective 01/01/2021) |
| D3473 | Surgical repair of root resorption – molar (Effective 01/01/2021) |
| D3501 | Surgical exposure of root surface without apicoectomy or repair of root resorption – anterior (Effective 01/01/2021) |
| D3502 | Surgical exposure of root surface without apicoectomy or repair of root resorption – premolar (Effective 01/01/2021) |
| D3503 | Surgical exposure of root surface without apicoectomy or repair of root resorption – molar (Effective 01/01/2021) |
| D3910 | Surgical procedure for the isolation of tooth with a rubber dam |
| D3920 | Hemisection (including any root removal), not including root canal therapy Includes separation of a multi-rooted tooth into separate sections containing the root and the overlying portion of the crown. It may also include the removal of one or more of those sections |
| D3950 | Canal preparation and fitting of preformed dowel or post |
Periodontic dental codes (D4000–D4999)
Periodontic codes report crown exposure, gingival flap and osseous surgery, grafts and guided tissue regeneration, splinting, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance. Quadrant-based codes depend on how many teeth were treated in each quadrant.
| CDT code | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| D4230 | Anatomical crown exposure-four or more contiguous teeth per quadrant |
| D4231 | Anatomical crown exposure-one to three teeth per quadrant |
| D4240 | Gingival flap procedure, including root planing-four or more contiguous teeth or tooth bounded spaces per quadrant |
| D4241 | Gingival flap procedure, including root planing-one to three contiguous teeth or tooth bounded spaces per quadrant A soft tissue flap is reflected or resected to allow debridement of the root surface and the removal of granulation tissue. Osseous recontouring is not accomplished in conjunction with this procedure. May include open flap curettage, reverse bevel flap surgery, modified Kirkland flap procedure, and modified Widman surgery. This procedure is performed in the presence of moderate to deep probing depths, loss of attachment; need to maintain esthetics, need for increased access to the root surface and alveolar bone, or to determine the presence of a cracked tooth, fractured root, or external root resorption. Other procedures may be required concurrent to D4240 and should be reported separately using their own unique codes |
| D4245 | Apically positioned flap |
| D4249 | Clinical crown lengthening-hard tissue This procedure is employed to allow restorative procedure or crown with little or no tooth structure exposed to the oral cavity. Crown lengthening requires reflection of a flap and is performed in a healthy periodontal environment, as opposed to osseous surgery, which is performed in the presence of periodontal disease. Where there are adjacent teeth, the flap design may involve a larger surgical area |
| D4261 | Osseous surgery (including elevation of a full-thickness flap and closure)-one to three contiguous teeth or tooth bounded spaces per quadrant This procedure modifies the bony support of the teeth by reshaping the alveolar process to achieve a more physiologic form. This may include the removal of supporting bone (ostectomy) and/or non-supporting bone (osteoplasty). Other procedures may be required concurrent to D4260, D4261 and should be reported using their own unique codes |
| D4265 | Biologic materials to aid in soft and osseous tissue regeneration Biologic materials may be used alone or with other regenerative substrates such as bone and barrier membranes, depending upon their formulation and the presentation of the periodontal defect. This procedure does not include surgical entry and closure, wound debridement, osseous contouring, or the placement of graft materials and /or barrier membranes. Other separate procedures may be required concurrent to D4265 and should be reported using their own unique codes |
| D4266 | Guided tissue regeneration-resorbable barrier, per site A membrane is placed over the root surfaces or defect area following surgical exposure and debridement. The mucoperiosteal flaps are then adapted over the membrane and sutured. The membrane is placed to exclude epithelium and gingival connective tissue from the healing wound. This procedure may require subsequent surgical procedures to correct the gingival contours. Guided tissue regeneration may also be carried out in conjunction with bone replacement grafts or to correct deformities resulting from inadequate faciolingual bone width in an edentulous area. When guided tissue regeneration is used in association with a tooth, each site on a specific tooth should be reported separately with this code. When no tooth is present, each site should be reported separately. Definition for the term “site” precedes code D4210 |
| D4267 | Guided tissue regeneration-non-resorbable barrier, per site (includes membrane removal) This procedure is used to regenerate lost or injured periodontal tissue by directing differential tissue responses. A membrane is placed over the root surfaces or defect area following surgical exposure and debridement. The mucoperiosteal flaps are then adapted over the membrane and sutured. The membrane is placed to exclude epithelium and gingival connective tissue from the healing wound. This procedure requires subsequent surgical procedures to remove the membranes and/or to correct the gingival contours. Guided tissue regeneration may be used in conjunction with bone replacement grafts or to correct deformities resulting from inadequate faciolingual bone width in an edentulous area. When guided tissue regeneration is used in association with a tooth, each site on a specific tooth should be reported separately with this code. When no tooth is present, each site should be reported separately. Definition for the term “site” precedes code D4210 |
| D4274 | Distal or proximal wedge procedure (when not performed in conjunction) This procedure is performed in an edentulous area adjacent to a periodontally involved tooth. Gingival incisions are utilized to allow removal of tissue wedge to gain access and correct the underlying osseous defect and to permit close flap adaptation |
| D4275 | Soft tissue allograft Procedure is performed to create or augment the gingiva, with or without root coverage. This may be used to eliminate the pull of the frena and muscle attachments, extend the vestibular fornix, and correct localized gingival recession. There is no donor site |
| D4276 | Combined connective tissue and double pedicle graft, per tooth Advanced gingival recession often cannot be corrected with a single procedure. Combined tissue grafting procedures are needed to achieve the desired outcome |
| D4283 | Autogenous connective tissue graft procedure (including donor and recipient surgical sites)-each additional contiguous tooth, implant or edentulous tooth position in the same graft site |
| D4285 | Non‐autogenous connective tissue graft procedure (including recipient surgical site and donor material)- each additional contiguous tooth, implant or edentulous tooth position in the same graft site |
| D4320 | Provisional splinting-intracoronal |
| D4321 | Provisional splinting-extracoronal This is an interim stabilization of mobile teeth. A variety of methods and appliances may be employed for this purpose |
| D4341 | Periodontal scaling and root planing-four or more teeth per quadrant |
| D4342 | Periodontal scaling and root planing-one to three teeth per quadrant This procedure involves instrumentation of the crown and root surfaces of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus from these surfaces. It is indicated for patients with periodontal disease and is therapeutic, not prophylactic, in nature. Root planing is the definitive procedure designed for the removal of cementum and dentin that is rough, and/or permeated by calculus or contaminated with toxins or microorganisms. Some soft tissue removal occurs. This procedure may be used as a definitive treatment in some stages of periodontal disease and/or as a part of pre-surgical procedures in others |
| D4346 | Scaling in presence of generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation-full mouth, after oral evaluation |
| D4910 | Periodontal maintenance This procedure is instituted following periodontal therapy and continues at varying intervals, determined by the clinical evaluation of the dentist, for the life of the dentition or any implant replacements. It includes removal of the bacterial plaque and calculus from supragingival and subgingival regions, site-specific scaling and root planing where indicated and polishing the teeth. If the new or recurring periodontal disease appears, additional diagnostic and treatment procedures must be considered |
| D4920 | Unscheduled dressing change (by other than treating dentist or their staff) |
| D4921 | Gingival irrigation-per quadrant |
| D4999 | Unspecified periodontal procedure, by the report |
Removable prosthodontic dental codes (D5000–D5899)
Removable prosthodontic codes cover complete, immediate, partial and interim dentures, plus adjustments, repairs, rebases and relines. Maxillary and mandibular appliances have separate codes, so the arch must be documented.
| CDT code | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| D5110 | Complete denture-maxillary |
| D5120 | Complete denture-mandibular |
| D5130 | Immediate denture-maxillary |
| D5140 | Immediate denture-mandibular Includes limited follow-up care only; does not include required future rebasing/relining procedure(s) or a completely new denture |
| D5211 | Maxillary partial denture-resin base (including retentive/clasping materials, rests and teeth) |
| D5212 | Mandibular partial denture-resin base (including rests and teeth) |
| D5213 | Maxillary partial denture-cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth) |
| D5214 | Mandibular partial denture-cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth) |
| D5221 | Immediate maxillary partial denture-resin base (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth) |
| D5222 | Immediate mandibular partial denture-resin base (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth) |
| D5223 | Immediate maxillary partial denture-cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth) |
| D5224 | Immediate mandibular partial denture-cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including retentive/clasping materials rests and teeth) |
| D5225 | Maxillary partial denture-flexible base (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth) |
| D5226 | Mandibular partial denture-flexible base (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth) |
| D5282 | Removable unilateral partial denture-one-piece cast metal (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth), maxillary |
| D5283 | Removable unilateral partial denture-one-piece cast metal (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth), mandibular |
| D5284 | Removable unilateral partial denture-one-piece flexible base (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth)-per quadrant |
| D5286 | Removable unilateral partial denture-one-piece resin (including retentive/clasping materials, rests, and teeth)-per quadrant |
| D5410 | Adjust complete denture-maxillary |
| D5411 | Adjust complete denture-mandibular |
| D5421 | Adjust partial denture-maxillary |
| D5422 | Adjust partial denture-mandibular |
| D5511 | Repair broken complete denture base, mandibular |
| D5512 | Repair broken complete denture base, maxillary |
| D5520 | Replace missing or broken teeth-complete denture (each tooth) |
| D5611 | Repair resin partial denture base, mandibular |
| D5612 | Repair resin partial denture base, maxillary |
| D5621 | Repair cast partial framework, mandibular |
| D5622 | Repair cast partial framework, maxillary |
| D5630 | Repair or replace broken clasp-per tooth |
| D5640 | Replace broken teeth-per tooth |
| D5650 | Add tooth to existing partial denture |
| D5660 | Add clasp to existing partial denture-per tooth |
| D5670 | Replace all teeth and acrylic on cast metal framework (maxillary) |
| D5671 | Replace all teeth and acrylic on cast metal framework (mandibular) |
| D5710 | Rebase complete maxillary denture |
| D5711 | Rebase complete mandibular denture |
| D5720 | Rebase maxillary partial denture |
| D5721 | Rebase mandibular partial denture |
| D5730 | Reline complete maxillary denture (direct) |
| D5731 | Reline complete mandibular denture (direct) |
| D5740 | Reline maxillary partial denture (direct) |
| D5741 | Reline mandibular partial denture (direct) |
| D5750 | Reline complete maxillary denture (indirect) |
| D5751 | Reline complete mandibular denture (indirect) |
| D5760 | Reline maxillary partial denture (indirect) |
| D5761 | Reline mandibular partial denture (indirect) |
| D5810 | Interim complete denture (maxillary) |
| D5811 | Interim complete denture (mandibular) |
Avoiding dental coding errors
Most dental coding errors come from a few repeat causes:
- Reporting a deleted or outdated code after the annual CDT update.
- Surfaces, tooth numbers or quadrants on the claim that do not match the clinical note.
- Reporting the wrong arch (maxillary or mandibular) for dentures, repairs and relines.
- Billing procedures that a payer considers part of another service on the same date.
- Missing narratives or X-rays for procedures that payers review before paying, such as crowns and periodontal surgery.
A short pre-submission check of the code, tooth, surface and supporting documentation prevents most of these denials.
Get help with dental coding
Dental codes are numerous and change every year. QWay Healthcare’s dental billing and coding team codes procedures from the clinical note, checks each claim before submission and follows up on denials, so your staff can stay focused on patients. Contact us to discuss your practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are CDT codes?
CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes are the procedure codes used to report dental services on claims. Each code starts with D followed by four digits, and the code set is maintained by the American Dental Association.
Which dental codes does part 3 cover?
Part 3 lists 218 codes from D1120 to D5811: preventive (D1000–D1999), restorative (D2000–D2999), endodontic (D3000–D3999), periodontic (D4000–D4999) and removable prosthodontic (D5000–D5899) procedures.
How often do dental codes change?
The ADA updates the CDT code set every year, and the changes take effect on January 1. New codes are added and some codes are revised or deleted, so practices should check the current CDT manual before billing.
Why do dental claims get denied for coding errors?
Common reasons are a deleted or outdated code, a tooth, surface or arch that does not match the clinical note, and missing documentation for procedures that payers review, such as crowns and periodontal surgery.