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Fixed partial dentures require anchor crowns to support artificial teeth and restore proper function. D6740 describes porcelain or ceramic retainer crowns that serve as abutments in bridge restorations, securing pontics to adjacent natural teeth and filling gaps created by missing teeth. Accurate use of D6740 prevents claim denials and helps patients understand their financial responsibility before treatment begins. This guide covers when to apply D6740, what documentation insurers require, common billing errors, and answers to frequent questions about bridge coding.
Nov 1, 2025
What is Dental Code D6740?
D6740 refers to a retainer crown made from porcelain or ceramic material that forms part of a fixed partial denture (bridge). This code applies when a crown serves as an abutment to anchor and support a pontic—the artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth within the bridge structure.
The retainer crown covers the prepared abutment tooth adjacent to the edentulous space. It must be fabricated and cemented as part of a multi-unit bridge restoration, not as a standalone crown. D6740 captures only the retainer component; the pontic uses separate codes based on its material composition.
Common Terminology
Bridge billing requires familiarity with specific prosthodontic terms. Understanding these definitions helps front-desk staff communicate clearly with insurance carriers and patients about treatment plans and costs.
Fixed partial denture (FPD): A non-removable prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth, commonly called a bridge
Retainer crown: The anchor crown that covers an abutment tooth and supports the bridge structure
Abutment tooth: The natural tooth adjacent to the gap that receives preparation and crown coverage to support the bridge
Pontic: The artificial tooth suspended between retainer crowns that replaces the missing natural tooth
Three-unit bridge: The most common bridge configuration consisting of two retainer crowns and one pontic replacing a single missing tooth
Edentulous space: The gap in the dental arch where one or more teeth are missing
When is D6740 Used?
D6740 applies specifically when placing porcelain or ceramic retainer crowns as part of a fixed bridge restoration. The code requires both the presence of missing teeth and the use of adjacent natural teeth as abutments to support the prosthesis.
Recognition of appropriate clinical scenarios protects practices from downgrades and denials. Correct code selection also ensures patients receive accurate cost estimates during treatment planning discussions.
Common Clinical Scenarios
Several clinical situations justify billing D6740 for retainer crowns. These scenarios share the common feature of replacing missing teeth with fixed bridge restorations using porcelain or ceramic materials for the anchor crowns.
Single missing posterior tooth replaced with a three-unit bridge where D6740 codes both abutment crowns supporting the pontic
Multiple consecutive missing teeth restored with a multi-unit bridge requiring D6740 for each retainer crown anchoring the prosthesis
Anterior tooth replacement with an all-ceramic bridge where aesthetics demand porcelain or ceramic retainer crowns matching surrounding dentition
Failed or fractured existing bridge replacement requiring new retainer crowns on the same abutment teeth
Extraction site that has healed sufficiently to allow bridge placement with properly prepared abutment teeth on either side of the gap
When D6740 is NOT Appropriate
Understanding when D6740 does not apply prevents claim rejections and helps practices select correct alternative codes. Several situations require different coding approaches based on restoration type or material selection.
Single crown placement on a tooth with no adjacent missing teeth—use appropriate single crown codes like D2740 for porcelain/ceramic crowns
Retainer crowns fabricated from porcelain fused to high noble metal—use D6750 instead of D6740
Retainer crowns constructed from porcelain fused to noble metal—use D6752 rather than D6740
Retainer crowns made from full cast metal materials—use D6790 for high noble metal or D6791 for predominantly base metal
Implant-supported crowns serving as bridge retainers—use implant-specific retainer codes from the D6000 series
Maryland bridge wing retainers made from porcelain or ceramic—use D6548 instead of D6740
Billing and Insurance Considerations
D6740 billing requires attention to material matching, pre-authorization requirements, and thorough documentation. Insurance carriers scrutinize bridge claims carefully because these major restorations represent significant expenses and must meet medical necessity standards.
Front-desk teams benefit from understanding coverage patterns and common restrictions. This knowledge helps set realistic patient expectations and reduces surprises when claims process.
Documentation Requirements
Complete clinical documentation supports D6740 claims and demonstrates why a fixed bridge was the appropriate treatment choice. Records should clearly establish the presence of missing teeth, the suitability of abutment teeth, and the materials used for all bridge components.
Detailed clinical notes describing the missing tooth or teeth, the condition of abutment teeth including periodontal health and remaining tooth structure, and rationale for fixed bridge treatment over alternatives
Pre-operative radiographs showing the edentulous space, root structure of abutment teeth, and bone levels supporting the planned bridge design
Treatment plan documentation listing all bridge components with corresponding CDT codes, including D6740 for each retainer crown and appropriate pontic codes
Intraoral photographs capturing the missing tooth site and prepared abutment teeth before impression taking
Laboratory prescription specifying materials for retainer crowns and pontics, with clear indication that retainers are porcelain or ceramic to support D6740 coding
Post-delivery notes confirming proper fit, occlusal adjustment, and cementation of the completed bridge restoration
Insurance Coverage
Coverage for D6740 varies significantly based on plan type, benefit structure, and individual policy provisions. Understanding these variables helps practices provide accurate financial estimates and avoid patient dissatisfaction.
Most plans classify D6740 as a major restorative procedure with coverage ranging from 50% to 80% after deductibles, though some plans provide no bridge coverage.
Annual maximum benefits cap total coverage for all major procedures during the benefit year, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 and potentially limiting bridge reimbursement.
Frequency limitations often restrict bridge replacement to once every five to ten years per tooth position unless documented failure or trauma justifies earlier replacement.
Material downgrades allow some carriers to reimburse at a lower rate despite D6740 submission, paying benefits based on full cast metal retainer fees instead of ceramic.
Pre-authorization requirements vary by carrier, with some requiring detailed documentation and approval before treatment begins while others allow direct claim submission after delivery.
Missing tooth clauses exclude coverage for replacing teeth lost before policy effective dates, significantly impacting bridge eligibility for some patients.
Common Billing Mistakes
Several recurring errors lead to D6740 claim denials or payment delays. Awareness of these pitfalls helps billing staff avoid preventable problems and maintain healthy accounts receivable.
Mismatching materials between pontics and retainer crowns on the same bridge, such as billing D6740 for ceramic retainers with D6240 porcelain-fused-to-metal pontics instead of matching D6245 ceramic pontics
Using D6740 for single crowns without accompanying pontic codes, which signals standalone crown placement that should use D2740 instead
Failing to submit pre-authorization when required by the carrier, resulting in automatic denials regardless of clinical appropriateness
Inadequate narratives that don't explain why a fixed bridge was chosen over implants, removable partial dentures, or leaving the space untreated
Missing or poor-quality radiographs that don't clearly show the edentulous space and abutment tooth conditions
Billing D6740 for bridge replacement before the frequency limitation period expires without documentation proving failure, fracture, or other qualifying circumstances
Common Questions
How often can D6740 be billed for the same tooth?
Most insurance plans limit bridge replacements to once every five to ten years per tooth position. You can bill D6740 more frequently if documented bridge failure, abutment tooth fracture, or trauma necessitates replacement before the limitation period expires. Include detailed clinical notes and radiographs showing why early replacement was medically necessary rather than elective.
Do I need to bill D6740 for both abutment teeth in a three-unit bridge?
Yes. A three-unit bridge replacing one missing tooth requires two D6740 codes—one for each retainer crown covering the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. The pontic replacing the missing tooth requires a separate code, typically D6245 for porcelain/ceramic pontics to match the D6740 retainer material.
What's the difference between D6740 and D2740?
D2740 describes a standalone porcelain/ceramic crown placed on a single tooth with no adjacent missing teeth. D6740 describes a porcelain/ceramic retainer crown that serves as part of a bridge structure supporting a pontic. The key distinction is whether the crown functions independently or as part of a multi-unit fixed partial denture.
Can I use D6740 for porcelain-fused-to-metal retainer crowns?
No. D6740 specifically applies to all-ceramic or all-porcelain retainer crowns. Porcelain-fused-to-metal retainer crowns require different codes based on the metal used: D6750 for high noble metal, D6751 for predominantly base metal, or D6752 for noble metal. Material accuracy prevents claim denials and downgrades.
Does D6740 require pre-authorization?
Pre-authorization requirements vary by insurance carrier and plan type. Many carriers require pre-authorization for all major restorative procedures including bridges, while others allow direct submission after treatment completion. Contact the carrier before treatment to confirm requirements and obtain approval, which protects both the practice and patient from unexpected denials.
What happens if the insurance downgrades D6740 to a metal crown rate?
Some plans apply alternative benefit provisions that reimburse D6740 claims at the fee for full cast metal retainer crowns (D6790 or D6791) rather than at ceramic crown rates. This downgrade creates a patient balance for the cost difference between materials. Inform patients about potential downgrades during treatment planning so they can make informed decisions about proceeding with ceramic materials despite reduced coverage.
Can D6740 be used for Maryland bridge retainers?
No. Maryland bridges use wing retainers rather than full-coverage crowns. Porcelain or ceramic Maryland bridge wing retainers require code D6548 instead of D6740. Traditional bridges with full-coverage retainer crowns use D6740, while resin-bonded bridges with conservative wing preparations use the D6548 code.
How long should I wait after extraction before billing a bridge with D6740?
Most insurance plans require healing time between extraction and bridge placement, typically three to six months. Some carriers deny D6740 claims if billed too soon after extraction of the tooth being replaced, arguing insufficient healing time. Check individual plan provisions and document adequate healing before proceeding with bridge treatment to avoid denials.
Build Reliable Coverage for Your Practice Operations
Complex bridge billing requires dedicated attention from experienced team members who understand prosthodontic coding and insurance requirements. When staffing gaps disrupt your front-desk operations, billing accuracy and patient communication often suffer.
Your administrative team needs time to handle detailed insurance work like bridge pre-authorizations, claim follow-up, and patient financial counseling. When hygienist call-outs force front-desk staff to scramble for coverage, these critical billing tasks get pushed aside.
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