DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGES – PART 2 CODING

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGES – PART 2 CODING

TRADITIONAL BRIDGE

ALL PORCELAIN, ZIRCONIA, EMAX, ETC
D6245 Pontic, porcelain/ceramic
D6740 Crown, porcelain/ceramic (retainer)

PFM
D6240 Pontic, porcelain fused to precious/high noble metal
D6241 Pontic, porcelain fused to predominantly base metal/non-precious metal
D6242 Pontic, porcelain fused to semi-precious/noble metal
D6750 Crown, porcelain fused to precious/high noble metal (retainer)
D6751 Crown, porcelain fused to predominantly base metal/non-precious metal (retainer)
D6752 Crown, porcelain fused to semi-precious/noble metal (bridge units)

METAL
D6210 Pontic for Maryland bridge, cast metal, precious/high noble metal
D6791: Retainer Crown – Full Cast, Predominantly Base Metal Using this dental procedure code, the prosthetic crown is constructed predominantly of base metal and covers the entire remaining portion of the tooth.
D6790: Retainer Crown – Full Cast High Noble Metal This procedure code is used for a prosthetic crown that is constructed of high noble metal and covers the remaining portion of tooth.

CANTILEVER BRIDGE

ALL PORCELAIN, ZIRCONIA, EMAX, ETC
D6245 Pontic, porcelain/ceramic
D6740 Crown, porcelain/ceramic (retainer)

MARYLAND BONDED BRIDGE

ALL PORCELAIN, ZIRCONIA, EMAX, ETC
D6245 Pontic, porcelain/ceramic
D6548 Wing retainer, porcelain/ceramic for bonded fixed prosthesis
D6600 Retainer inlay porcelain/ceramic, two surfaces

COMPOSITE/RESIN
D6205 Pontic, indirect resin-based composite
D6549 Wing retainer, Composite or resin

IMPLANT SUPPORTED BRIDGE

ABUTMENTS
D6056 – Prefabricated abutment – includes modification and placement
D6057 – Custom fabricated abutment – includes placement

ABUTMENT SUPPORTED IMPLANT RETAINER CROWN
D6068 – Abutment supported retainer for porcelain/ceramic
D6069 – Abutment supported retainer for porcelain fused to metal FPD (high noble metal)
D6070 – Abutment supported retainer for porcelain fused to metal FPD (predominantly base metal)
D6071 – Abutment supported retainer for porcelain fused to metal FPD (noble metal)
D6072 – Abutment supported retainer for cast metal FPD (high noble metal)

IMPLANT SUPPORTED RETAINER CROWN
D6075 – Implant supported retainer for porcelain/ceramic, screw retained or cemented
D6076 – Implant supported retainer for porcelain fused to metal (titanium, titanium alloy, or high noble metal), screw retained or cemented
D6077 – Implant supported retainer for cast metal (titanium, titanium alloy, or high noble metal) , screw retained or cemented

SOAP NOTE EXAMPLE FOR BRIDGE (GENERAL – CUSTOMIZE AS NEEDED)

BRIDGE PREP – SENT TO LAB:

Patient presents for RESIN/PFM/PORC/GOLD (TRADITIONAL/MARYLAND/IMPLANT) BRIDGE prep with retainer crowns #____ and pontic(s) #____, initial or replacement?
Reason: Caries? Fracture? Recurrent caries?
Initial/Replacement? initial or existing restoration over XX yrs old
Pontic: tooth was extracted on xx/xx/xx or x years ago
MED HX: no updates
Pre-op panoramic or FMX and IO taken?
Topical placed, ____ Carps Septocaine %4 Epi. 1;100:000 given by ________
High speed used to prep, low speed to remove caries – IO photo taken.
Liner placed: Yes / No
Pins or Post Placed: # (take xray showing pin/post)
Retraction with (cord/viscostat, traxodent, laser, etc), removed and rinsed
Impression taken with VPS full arch tray and bite registration or all scans acquired
Sent to ________ lab (impression, bite registration, opposing stone model), shade _____, stump shade _____

Temp bridge fabricated with _______ and cemented with _______. Excess cement removed and occlusion adjusted. Post-op instructions given

N/V: try-in or insert #
Dr. _____ /Assistant

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR BRIDGES:

Regardless of the type of bridge, these procedures usually require submitting the same documentation. Bridges are one of the most common procedures that drive up aging due to the documentation required on the first submission. So, what do you need to ensure is included?

A pre-op full mouth series or panoramic x-ray. Insurance wants to see images of see both arches. A bitewing is not acceptable.
Extraction dates. Sometimes claims submitters are surprised by this but insurance will always want to know when the teeth were extracted. If you see a new patient with missing teeth and you plan to do a bridge, an estimated date will be required on the claim. It also needs to be included in the chart note. Don’t forget to check your patients policy for a missing tooth clause!
Post-op periapical x-rays. Every insurance company will want a periapical x-ray. Ensure the image shows the full tooth from the occlusal surface to the apex.
Prep and Delivery date should always be noted on the claim.
Restorative chart (optional) that shows all the missing teeth and restorative work already completed. This one is not a requirement but MODPractice has found including a completed restorative chart can be very helpful!

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CODING FOR DENTAL BRIDGES DENTAL BILLING DENTAL REVENUE CYCLE MANAGEMENT MODpractice REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION DENTAL BRIDGE Tuesday Tips TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGES