When is D2910 used?
The D2910 dental code applies to the re-cementation or re-bonding of inlays, onlays, veneers, or partial coverage restorations. This CDT code should be utilized when a previously placed indirect restoration becomes loose but remains undamaged and suitable for reattachment without creating a new restoration. This code does not apply to full crowns or bridges, which require separate codes. Correct application of D2910 helps ensure proper billing and reduces claim rejections.
D2910 Charting and Clinical Use
Supporting the use of D2910 requires comprehensive documentation. Recommended practices include:
Accurately recording the restoration type and tooth location being re-cemented or re-bonded.
Detailing the restoration and tooth condition (such as absence of new decay, intact restoration).
Recording the cause of dislodgement (including trauma, bond failure, or cement deterioration).
Incorporating before-and-after photographs or X-rays when possible to demonstrate clinical justification.
Typical clinical situations involve a loose veneer from mild trauma or an onlay that has separated but stays in excellent condition. When the restoration shows damage or the tooth needs further treatment, alternative procedure codes may be more suitable.
Billing and Insurance Considerations
Effective billing for D2910 requires several important actions:
Confirm coverage: Re-cementation or re-bonding procedures are not covered by all dental insurance plans. Always verify patient benefits prior to treatment.
Provide detailed narratives: Include a clear explanation of why re-cementation was performed and confirm no new restoration was created.
Include supporting documentation: Submit clinical notes and relevant images with claims to minimize denial risk.
Examine EOBs: When claims are denied, check the Explanation of Benefits for specific reasons and prepare to submit appeals with additional documentation when needed.
Keep in mind that D2910 should not be used when placing new restorations. For new inlays, onlays, or veneers, use the proper CDT codes such as inlay, onlay, or veneer placement codes.
How dental practices use D2910
Scenario: A patient arrives with a ceramic veneer on tooth #8 that loosened after eating hard candy. The veneer remains undamaged, and the tooth structure underneath is healthy. The dentist examines the restoration, prepares both the veneer and tooth surface, and re-bonds the existing veneer following proper adhesive procedures.
Billing Steps:
Record the clinical observations and treatment provided.
File the claim using D2910, including a narrative stating the veneer was re-bonded, not replaced.
Include before-and-after images to validate the claim.
Monitor claim status and respond quickly to any insurance inquiries for further information.
This method ensures proper coding, facilitates prompt reimbursement, and shows adherence to dental insurance requirements.
Common Questions
Can D2910 be billed together with other dental procedures during the same appointment?
D2910 may be billed with other procedures when clinically appropriate and not considered part of another service. However, insurance companies might bundle re-cementation with other restorative work performed on the same tooth during the same appointment. Always review payer-specific policies and document each procedure individually to support your billing claim.
Are there restrictions on how frequently D2910 can be used for the same restoration?
Most dental insurance policies have frequency limitations for re-cementation procedures like D2910, typically covering the service only once within a specified period (such as once every 12 or 24 months per tooth). Always confirm the patient's coverage details to prevent claim denials due to frequency limitations.
What steps should be taken if the re-cemented restoration fails again within a short time?
When a re-cemented restoration fails shortly after treatment, evaluate the restoration and tooth for underlying problems including recurrent decay, fractures, or poor fit. If re-cementation isn't feasible, a new restoration may be required, necessitating a different CDT code. Document all findings thoroughly and discuss with the patient about next steps and potential changes in billing or insurance benefits.