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Accurate billing starts with choosing the right procedure code for each service you provide. D2920 ranks among the most frequently used codes in restorative dentistry, yet many practices struggle with when to apply it correctly. This guide clarifies when and how to use dental code D2920 for re-cementing or re-bonding crowns.
Oct 24, 2025
What is Dental Code D2920?
The American Dental Association (ADA) defines D2920 as the code for re-cementing or re-bonding an indirect restoration. This falls under the Restorative Services category in the dental coding system.
Dental teams use various terms for this procedure. "Re-cement crown," "re-bond crown," and "reattach crown" all describe permanently reattaching a crown that has become loose or dislodged without requiring any modification to the crown or tooth structure.
D2920 covers only the reattachment of an existing, unaltered crown. This differs from procedures requiring crown adjustment, repair or replacement, which need different codes. Knowing this distinction prevents billing errors and claim denials.
When is Code D2920 Used?
Successfully billing D2920 requires understanding when crowns fail mechanically but remain structurally intact and clinically viable. These scenarios represent the most common situations where re-cementation serves as the appropriate treatment:
Crown debonded from eating sticky foods: Patients often present with crowns that came loose while eating caramels, taffy or other sticky foods. The crown remains intact and fits properly, requiring only re-cementation.
Loss of retention due to cement washout: Over time, cement can wash out from under a crown, causing it to loosen. If the tooth structure remains sound and the crown fits well, re-cementing restores function.
Crown came off due to decay removing underlying tooth structure: When decay undermines the cement bond but the crown itself remains undamaged and the tooth is still restorable after caries removal, you can re-cement the crown.
Temporary cement used initially: Some practitioners place crowns with temporary cement first to assess fit and patient comfort. Converting to permanent cement after the trial period uses D2920.
Crown dislodged by trauma: Minor trauma can dislodge a crown without damaging it. If both the crown and underlying tooth remain intact, re-cementation is appropriate.
Patient brought in loose crown shortly after placement: Crowns occasionally fail to bond properly during initial placement. If caught within days or weeks, re-cementing with better isolation or different cement material solves the problem.
When D2920 is NOT Appropriate
Understanding the limits of D2920 prevents claim denials and billing delays. Applying this code to inappropriate situations creates problems with insurance reviewers. Avoid using D2920 in these circumstances:
Crown requires adjustment or modification: Use code D2980 for crown repair. If you need to adjust margins, modify occlusion significantly or repair a fractured crown, bill the appropriate repair code, not D2920.
Tooth structure requires buildup before re-cementation: If the tooth needs a core buildup or other restoration before the crown can be re-cemented, bill separately for the buildup procedure and then D2920 for re-cementation.
Crown no longer fits properly: If the crown doesn't fit due to changes in tooth structure, recurrent decay or other issues requiring a new crown, bill for a new crown fabrication, not re-cementation.
Recementation of temporary crown: Temporary crown procedures fall under different codes. D2920 applies only to permanent indirect restorations.
Initial crown cementation: The initial cementation of a newly fabricated crown is included in the crown fabrication code. D2920 applies only to re-cementing a previously placed crown.
Billing and Insurance Considerations
Strong documentation builds successful insurance claims. Reviewers need clear evidence that re-cementation was necessary and appropriate. Your patient records must explain why the crown became loose and why it can be successfully re-cemented.
Required Documentation:
Clinical notes: Document when the crown was originally placed, why it became loose, the condition of the tooth structure and crown, and your clinical decision to re-cement rather than replace. Note any preparation work needed before re-cementation.
Radiographic evidence: A current radiograph showing the tooth structure, fit of the crown and absence of significant decay or structural problems supports your treatment decision. Keep these in the patient record.
Clinical justification: Document that the crown remains structurally sound, fits properly and will serve the patient well after re-cementation. Note the type of cement used and any special techniques employed to improve retention.
Insurance Coverage Patterns
D2920 coverage differs widely across insurance carriers. Verifying benefits before treatment helps set accurate patient expectations and prevents billing surprises. Most dental insurance plans cover D2920, but coverage varies significantly by carrier and plan.
Key coverage considerations:
Frequency limitations: Many plans limit how often they'll pay for re-cementing the same crown. Typical limitations range from once every 6-12 months to once every 2-5 years per tooth. Some plans allow only one re-cementation per crown lifetime.
Timing restrictions: Plans often won't cover D2920 within a certain period after initial crown placement (commonly 1-5 years). They consider early failure a warranty issue and expect the placing dentist to re-cement at no charge.
Original placement provider: Some plans require the original placing dentist to re-cement crowns that fail within the warranty period at no cost. Coverage for D2920 applies only when a different provider performs re-cementation or after the warranty expires.
Common Billing Mistakes
D2920 billing errors happen frequently, even in experienced practices. Recognizing these pitfalls helps your team submit clean claims from the start. Watch for these common errors:
Billing D2920 for initial cementation: Initial crown cementation is included in the crown fabrication fee. D2920 applies only to subsequent re-cementation of a previously placed crown.
Incorrect documentation of original placement date: Claims often get denied when you can't document when the crown was originally placed. Always note the original placement date in your clinical notes.
Missing justification for why crown became loose: Insurance reviewers want to know why re-cementation is necessary. Document the cause of failure clearly.
Billing D2920 with crown repair codes: If you're modifying or repairing the crown before re-cementing, bill the repair code instead of or in addition to D2920, depending on payer guidelines. Check bundling rules.
Attempting to bill within warranty period: Most plans won't cover re-cementation within 1-5 years of original placement if performed by the same provider. Verify coverage before treating.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
D2920 billing raises frequent questions among dental teams and insurance providers. Warranty periods, frequency limits and documentation standards often confuse practitioners. These answers clarify the most common issues and help you avoid claim denials.
How often can D2920 be billed?
Clinical necessity determines when you bill D2920, but insurance carriers impose their own frequency restrictions per tooth. Plans commonly limit coverage to once annually, once every 2-5 years, or a single lifetime occurrence per crown. Expect denials when the original provider attempts to bill within 1-5 years of placement due to warranty considerations.
Why do some insurances deny the code?
Frequency restrictions account for most denials, followed by warranty period conflicts and missing original placement documentation. Carriers may refuse payment when the placing provider submits claims within contractual warranty timeframes. Some plans also mandate pre-authorization or exclude coverage for procedures linked to cosmetic dentistry.
What are the warranty considerations?
Crown warranties typically span 1-5 years across most practices. When you originally placed the crown, you're usually obligated to re-cement without charge if retention fails during this window. Insurance won't reimburse D2920 when the original provider works within warranty timeframes. Different providers or expired warranties make D2920 billable.
Can I bill D2920 if I modify the crown before re-cementing?
Minor occlusal adjustments and crown cleaning get bundled into D2920. Significant modifications like fracture repairs, margin adjustments or extensive occlusal changes require repair code D2980 either instead of or alongside D2920. Your payer's bundling policies determine whether both codes work together.
What's the difference between D2920 and D6930?
Single-unit restorations like crowns, inlays and onlays use D2920 for re-cementation. Multi-unit fixed partial dentures (bridges) require D6930 instead. Code selection hinges on whether you're working with one restoration or multiple connected units. Mixing these codes guarantees denials.
Do I need different cement than originally used?
Clinical judgment drives cement choices. Record your selection and reasoning in patient notes. Switching to stronger or more retentive cement makes sense when original cement washed out or failed to provide adequate retention. Your documentation should justify this change for insurance review.
Can I bill D2920 for re-cementing a crown I just placed last week?
Insurance rarely covers early failures even though D2920 technically applies. Recent crown loss suggests isolation problems, technique issues or poor fit during original placement. Quality assurance typically covers re-cementation within the first weeks or months at no patient charge. Billing this scenario invites scrutiny of your original technique.
Keep Your Schedule Running Smoothly
Mastering billing codes like D2920 keeps your practice financially healthy, but unexpected staffing gaps can derail even the most well-organized office. A hygienist calling in sick on a fully booked day creates immediate problems: rescheduling patients, lost production and frustrated team members picking up the slack.
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