Understanding Dental Code D2752

When to Use D2752 dental code

The D2752 dental code is designated for a crown procedure described as “Crown – porcelain fused to noble metal.” This CDT code should be used when a patient requires a full-coverage restoration for a tooth, typically due to extensive decay, fracture, or after root canal therapy, and the chosen material is porcelain fused to a noble metal such as gold, palladium, or platinum. It is crucial to distinguish D2752 from similar codes, such as D2750 (porcelain fused to high noble metal) or D2751 (porcelain fused to predominantly base metal), to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Proper documentation is essential for successful claim approval when using D2752. Dental teams should include:

• Detailed clinical notes explaining why the crown is necessary (e.g., large existing restoration, fracture, or endodontic treatment).
• Pre-operative and post-operative radiographs showing the extent of damage or decay.
• Intraoral photographs when possible, to visually support the need for a crown.
• Material specification in the chart, confirming the use of noble metal.

Common clinical scenarios include teeth with significant structural loss, failed large fillings, or after root canal therapy where full coverage is necessary to prevent fracture.

Insurance Billing Tips

To maximize reimbursement and minimize denials for D2752:

• Verify insurance benefits before treatment, confirming coverage for crowns and any frequency limitations.
• Submit comprehensive documentation with the initial claim, including clinical notes, radiographs, and material details.
• Use accurate CDT codes—do not substitute D2752 for other crown types if the material does not match.
• Review EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) promptly and be prepared to submit a claim appeal with additional documentation if the crown is denied.
• Track AR (Accounts Receivable) to ensure timely follow-up on outstanding claims.

Successful dental offices often use checklists and standardized templates to ensure all required information is included with every crown claim.

Example Case for D2752

Case: A 52-year-old patient presents with a fractured upper right first molar (tooth #3) that has a large, failing amalgam restoration. After a thorough evaluation, the dentist determines that a full-coverage crown is necessary. The treatment plan specifies a porcelain fused to noble metal crown due to its strength and esthetics. Pre-operative radiographs and intraoral photos are taken, and detailed notes are entered into the patient’s chart. The insurance coordinator verifies coverage and submits the claim with all supporting documentation under D2752. The claim is approved, and the patient receives the crown with insurance benefits applied as expected.

This example highlights the importance of precise documentation, correct code selection, and proactive insurance communication for successful billing of D2752.