Understanding Dental Code D6710

When to Use D6710 dental code

The D6710 dental code is designated for a retainer crown—specifically, a crown that serves as part of a fixed partial denture (FPD), commonly known as a bridge. This code should be used when a crown is being placed to support a pontic (artificial tooth) within a bridge, not for single-unit crowns or implant-supported crowns. It’s crucial to distinguish D6710 from other codes such as D2750 (crown, porcelain fused to high noble metal) or D6740 (retainer crown, porcelain/ceramic), as each code reflects different materials and clinical situations.

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Proper documentation is essential for successful claim approval when using D6710. Dental teams should ensure the following are included in the patient’s chart and claim submission:

• Detailed clinical notes describing the missing tooth/teeth, the need for a fixed partial denture, and the abutment teeth being prepared for retainer crowns.
• Pre-operative and post-operative radiographs showing the edentulous space and supporting teeth.
• Periodontal charting if relevant, to demonstrate the health and suitability of the abutment teeth.
• Intraoral photos can further support the necessity of the treatment.

Common clinical scenarios include replacing a single missing tooth with a three-unit bridge or multiple missing teeth with a longer span FPD. In each case, D6710 is used for each retainer crown on the abutment teeth anchoring the bridge.

Insurance Billing Tips

Maximizing reimbursement for D6710 requires attention to detail and proactive communication with payers. Here are best practices:

• Verify benefits before treatment to confirm bridge coverage, frequency limitations, and waiting periods.
• Submit a pre-authorization with all supporting documentation to reduce denial risk.
• Use precise narratives in the claim, clearly stating why a bridge (and retainer crowns) is the best treatment option over alternatives like implants or removable prostheses.
• Track EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) closely and be prepared to appeal denied claims with additional documentation or clarifying narratives.
• Monitor AR (Accounts Receivable) to ensure timely follow-up on outstanding claims.

Remember, insurance plans may downgrade benefits to a less expensive alternative, such as a removable partial denture. Always communicate potential out-of-pocket costs to patients before proceeding.

Example Case for D6710

Consider a patient missing tooth #19. The treatment plan involves a three-unit bridge spanning teeth #18 (abutment), #19 (pontic), and #20 (abutment). In this scenario, D6710 would be billed for the retainer crowns on teeth #18 and #20, while D6240 would be used for the pontic. The claim should include radiographs, a narrative explaining the choice of a fixed bridge, and documentation of the patient’s dental history.

By following these steps and using the D6710 dental code accurately, dental practices can streamline their billing process, minimize denials, and provide clarity to both insurers and patients.