What Are the CDT Codes for Dental Bridge?

Types of Dental Codes

CDT Codes for Dental Implant Bridge

CDT 2026 implant supported retainer codes (common for implant bridge retainers)

These are often the “retainer” side of an implant supported fixed partial denture.

3. CDT 2026 pontic codes used in bridges (tooth or implant supported)

Pontics are the replacement tooth units in the bridge.

So when you build a dental code for bridge claim, you are usually combining retainer units plus pontic units.

CDT 2026 code for sectioning a bridge

If the dentist cuts and separates a fixed bridge, use:

This answers the common question about cdt dental code for sectioning a bridge.

Quick example of how implant bridge coding is built

A simple 3 unit implant supported bridge is often coded as:

Your actual code set changes with materials and design.

Difference Between Traditional Bridge CDT Codes and Implant Bridge CDT Codes

Here is the cleanest way to separate them.

Tooth supported bridges

A tooth supported bridge is usually coded with:

1. Retainer crown codes (often D67xx) for the abutment crowns
2. Pontic codes (often D62xx) for the replacement tooth units

Implant supported bridges

An implant supported bridge is usually coded with:

1. Implant supported retainer codes (often D6075 to D6077, based on material)
2. Pontic codes (often D62xx) for the replacement teeth

So the “difference” is mainly the retainer category. That is why your team should treat cdt code for dental implant bridge as a component set, not a single line item.

Importance of CDT Code for Dental Implant Bridge

Correct coding does three simple things:

1. It tells the payer what you actually delivered.
2. It supports the right benefits and documentation requests.
3. It reduces denials that happen when a bridge is misfiled as a crown, or an implant-supported retainer is billed like a natural tooth crown.

Capline also stresses that correct CDT coding improves documentation and claim clarity for implant bridge procedures.

How CDT Codes Affect Your Dental Bridge Cost

Patients often assume “bridge cost” is one number. But claims are usually priced per unit and per material.

1. A zirconia or porcelain bridge unit can price differently than a metal based unit.
2. Implant-supported retainers are not priced the same way as tooth supported retainer crowns.

This is why patients see confusing estimates unless the office explains the codes and units being billed. Also, coverage varies widely. Many payer policies explicitly state that code lists do not guarantee payment and benefits depend on the patient’s plan. That is a big reason “covered or not” questions must be handled with verification or predetermination.

Choosing the Right CDT Code for Your Procedure

Use this quick selection flow.

Step 1: Identify what supports the bridge

1. Natural teeth: start in D67xx retainers and D62xx pontics.
2. Implants: start in D6075 to D6077 for retainers, then add pontics as needed.

Step 2: Count the units

A “3 unit bridge” typically means two retainers plus one pontic.

Step 3: Match the material

Material drives the correct code choice for many retainers and pontics (example: D6240 vs D6245).

Step 4: Include related bridge specific services when done

For example, the CDT dental code for sectioning a bridge is commonly D9120 when the provider must cut and separate a fixed bridge. This is not the same as “removing a bridge” or “repairing a bridge.”

Conclusion

There is no single universal bone graft ADA code type answer for bridges either. Bridges are component coded. If you remember one thing, remember this: a bridge claim is usually a set of retainer units plus pontic units, and implant supported bridges use implant specific retainer codes. When your team matches the support type, units, and materials, bridge claims move faster and patients get clearer estimates. To learn more about dental coding, connect with our experts at Capline Dental Services. We’re here to help you. Contact us today.

FAQ

What is the difference between D6240 and D6245?

Both are pontic codes, but they differ in material. D6240 is commonly used for a porcelain-fused-to-metal type pontic, while D6245 is for a porcelain or ceramic pontic.

What Information to Ask Your Dentist About CDT Codes Before Treatment?

Ask these in simple terms:

1. Is this bridge tooth supported or implant supported?
2. How many units are being billed?
3. Which codes are for retainers and which codes are for pontics?
4. What material is being used for each unit?
5. Should a predetermination be sent before treatment?

What are the common CDT coding mistakes with dental implant bridges?

Common issues:

1. Billing implant supported retainers like natural tooth crowns
2. Forgetting that bridges are unit based and missing a pontic or a retainer
3. Using the wrong pontic material code (example mixing D6240 and D6245)
4. Confusing sectioning with removal and skipping D9120 when sectioning is performed