A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device designed to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap in the dental arch. This restorative solution helps maintain the alignment of remaining teeth, restores the ability to chew and speak, and improves the appearance of your smile. A traditional bridge consists of a false tooth, called a pontic, which is anchored by crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the space. Dental professionals use a specific system of standardized codes to ensure proper administration and communication of this procedure.
What Are Current Dental Terminology Codes?
Dental services, including bridge placement, are universally reported using Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes. This standardized system of codes and descriptive terms is maintained and copyrighted by the American Dental Association (ADA). The purpose of CDT codes is to establish a common language for dentists and insurance companies. Every CDT code begins with the letter “D,” followed by four numbers that categorize the specific procedure. These codes are mandatory for documenting treatment and processing claims. Using the correct D-code is essential for insurance claims to be accurately reviewed, paid, or denied.
Specific Codes for Bridge Components
A traditional dental bridge is billed as a collection of individual components, not a single item, with each receiving its own distinct code. These codes fall primarily within the D6000 series, which covers fixed prosthodontics. The bridge is composed of pontics, which replace the missing tooth, and retainers, which are the crowns cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth.
The D6200 series is dedicated to the pontic, the artificial tooth suspended between the anchors. For example, D6240 is used for a pontic made of porcelain fused to a high noble metal base, chosen for strength and aesthetics. A purely ceramic replacement, preferred for aesthetic effect in visible areas, is coded using D6245.
The retainer, the crown covering the abutment tooth, is found within the D6700 series. A retainer crown made of porcelain fused to a high noble metal is reported with D6750. A retainer made entirely of porcelain or ceramic is coded as D6740. For bonded prostheses, like a Maryland bridge, which uses “wings” instead of full crowns, codes in the D6500 series describe the wing retainers.
How Material and Location Affect Billing Codes
The final CDT code is directly influenced by the specific materials used and the location of the bridge. Different codes exist for the same component based on the alloy or ceramic chosen, such as high noble metal, noble metal, predominantly base metal, or all-ceramic. The material designation impacts both the procedure’s cost and its corresponding code.
For instance, a full-cast high noble metal retainer crown is coded D6790, while a full-cast retainer crown utilizing predominantly base metal is coded D6791. Dentists select all-ceramic materials for visible anterior (front) teeth due to their natural appearance. Stronger metal-based materials are chosen for posterior (back) teeth to withstand heavy chewing forces. This choice, driven by location and functional requirement, dictates the code submitted.
Because insurance companies often limit coverage based on material or location (e.g., covering only a base metal bridge in the back), patients should seek pre-authorization. Submitting the specific D-codes before treatment confirms the exact coverage for components like D6240 or D6750. Understanding these material-specific codes is essential for a patient to anticipate their out-of-pocket costs accurately.