CDT Code D2980: Crown Repair Procedure

How well do you know CDT Code D2980? We’re answering your top 3 questions and clearing up the complexities of coding for a crown repair procedure, so you can code successfully and compliantly for easy claim acceptance and prompt payment. 

Have you ever faced confusion when applying a CDT code to crown repair procedures? If you have, you’re not alone!

Keeping up with CDT codes can feel overwhelming for any dental professional, but it's important to understand what each code means for accurate claim submission and general compliance.

Using the incorrect code can lead to collecting less than you could, claim denials that take extra time to correct and delay reimbursement, or even accusations of insurance fraud.

At DCS, through our years of providing insurance billing services as part of revenue cycle management (RCM) services, we’ve noticed consistent confusion when it comes to crown repair procedure codes and their utilization — specifically: CDT code D2980.

We’re here to define CDT Code D2980 and answer the top 3 questions dental professionals like you have about it. 

Key takeaways about CDT code D2980: 

• CDT code D2980 is for single crown repairs only
• CDT code D2980 should not be documented for the closure of an endodontic access hole
• Always include a narrative and pre-operative image with your claims to increase your chances of prompt reimbursement

Now, let’s get right to it…

1. What is CDT code D2980?

The CDT code D2980 documents and reports the repair of a single natural tooth crown due to material failure. The type of restorative material or how the crown is repaired makes no difference in the code. It’s important to note the nomenclature of code D2980 was revised a few years ago to include the words “necessitated by restorative material failure,” so now it reads:

D2980 crown repair necessitated by restorative material failure

Scenario: Patient presents with the porcelain fractured off a crown. The composite material was used to repair the fractured crown, restoring the crown to its original function and aesthetics. 

It’s appropriate to document the scenario described using code D2980 because the material (porcelain) failed.

Related: CDT codes vs CPT codes: What’s the difference?

2. Can I use CDT code D2980 when repairing a bridge?

No, you can’t. D2980 is only for single crown repairs. The repair of a retainer crown or a pontic component of a fixed partial denture (FPD), commonly referred to as a bridge, is documented using CDT code D6980.

As with D2980, D6980 is not indicated for the repair of an implant-supported retainer crown, only a retainer crown supported by a natural tooth. Also as with D2980, code D6980 was revised a few years ago to specifically state “necessitated by restorative material failure,” and now reads:

D6980 fixed partial denture repair necessitated by restorative material failure

Read More: 3 dental narrative tips that lead to insurance claim acceptance

3. Can I use CDT code D2980 or D6980 to document and report the closure of an endodontic access hole?

No, CDT code D2980 is no longer appropriate for reporting the closure of an endodontic access hole. Prior to the revision of D2980 and D6980, code D2980 was used to document and report the closure of an endodontic access hole.

Creating an access hole in a crown or retainer crown for the purpose of performing endodontic treatment on the tooth is not considered to be a restorative material failure. It is now an error to document the closure of an endodontic access hole using D2980. 

So, how is the closure of an endodontic access hole documented today? Consider documenting and reporting this procedure using the appropriate one-surface restorative code, such as:

D2391 resin-based composite – one surface, anterior

D2330 resin-based composite – one surface, posterior

D2140 amalgam – one surface, primary or permanent

Read more: Why attachments are important in dental insurance claims

Will dental insurance pay for crown bridge repair?

Dental plan reimbursement varies by plan design. Because of this, when reporting D2980 crown repair or D6980 bridge repair, it is helpful to include:

•  A narrative describing the repair, and also a pre-operative intraoral image of the crown.

Including the narrative and pre-operative image will increase your chances of receiving reimbursement promptly, as long as the procedure is a covered service of the plan.

Applying what you know about code D2980 — and all CDT codes — helps your office get paid for everything you’ve earned by maximizing your cash flow and increasing your team’s efficiency.

As you can see from the changes to CDT codes D2980 and D6980, it’s essential that your team updates their knowledge of CDT codes annually —codes are added, changed, and removed every year, and incorrect codes lead to claim denials, less revenue, and even accusations of insurance fraud.

Only by using the latest coding knowledge can you generate reliable, profitable, legitimate dental insurance income that boosts your practice’s bottom line. 

End your CDT coding woes by turning to experts

Many dental professionals find CDT coding to be a huge challenge. Matching the right code to the right procedure is not always straightforward — and again, the codes are updated every year.

But proper CDT coding is how you receive the maximum reimbursement promptly on dental insurance claims and remain compliant at your dental business. 

Dental insurance claims can account for nearly half of your overall revenue. It’s vital for your cash flow that you receive the highest possible reimbursement for every claim submitted — and fast. 

Still confused by CDT codes? You can turn to revenue cycle management experts like ours to help you submit accurate claims that include proper CDT codes. Instead of your team spending time stressing about codes, they can focus on providing amazing patient care. 

DCS offers a total billing solution with our RCM services, including insurance billing services that feature claim submission. Our experts are highly skilled in CDT coding, and many on our team are certified coders or former insurance experts. 

Don’t let CDT coding stop you from collecting what you’re owed: Book a free 30-minute consultation with DCS today.