Crown Repair and Removal CDT Codes: D2980, D2910 Guide

December 5, 2017

Updated 04/2026

Whether you’re looking for the ADA code for crown repair, crown removal, or when to use D2910 vs D2980, this guide covers all crown-related CDT codes with billing guidelines and limitations. D2980 is a “crown” repair to a ¾ crown or full crown. Related codes include D2910 (crown reattachment), D2920 (temporary cement), and crown removal procedures.

Quick Reference: Crown Procedure CDT Codes at a Glance

CDT Code	Procedure	When to Use	Related Codes
D2980	Crown repair	Material failure/fracture on crown	D6980 (bridge), D6090 (implant)
D2910	Crown reattachment	Intact crown, permanent cement	D2920 (temporary)
D2920	Temporary reattachment	Intact crown, temporary cement	D2910 (permanent)
D2981	Inlay repair	Material failure on inlay	D2980 (crown)
D2982	Onlay repair	Material failure on onlay	D2980 (crown)
D2983	Veneer repair	Material failure on veneer	D2980 (crown)
D6090	Implant prosthesis repair	Repair of implant-supported crown	D2980 (natural tooth)
D6980	Bridge repair	Material failure on fixed partial denture	D2980 (single crown)

D2980 – Crown Repair (Material Failure)

D2980 is used to repair a material failure (fracture) on any part of a ¾ crown or full crown.

Billing CDT Code D2980

Decay Below the Crown Margin

If a filling is needed to repair decay below the crown’s margins, report the appropriate amalgam or composite code, including a narrative such as:

“A facial composite was placed below the margin of the crown in the area of facial decay.”

Endodontic Access Closure Through an Existing Crown

For endodontic access closure (through an existing cemented or bonded posterior crown), consider a single surface amalgam (D2140) or composite (D2391) with a narrative to report this type of service if the crown is intact.

These procedures are typically reimbursed at 80% of the payor’s fee.

However, a few payors could require that D2980 be reported for closure of an intentional endodontic access opening made through an existing crown, but this would be rare.

D2980 was revised to emphasize it is restricted to a materials failure, and opening for the endodontic access is not a material failure.

Do Not Report D2980

Core Build-Ups Without Crown Removal

Do not report D2980 in conjunction with D2950 when the crown has not been removed to place the core buildup.

A core buildup is for retention of the crown and should not be reported if the crown remains in place.

Implant-Supported or Bridge Restorations

Do not report D2980 for crown repair of an implant supported restoration or a fixed partial denture (bridge).

See D6090 and D6980, respectively.

Inlays, Onlays, and Veneers

Do not report D2980 for the repair of an inlay, onlay, or veneer.

See D2981, D2982, and D2983, respectively.

D2910 – Crown Reattachment (Permanent Cement)

D2910 is used to report the permanent reattachment of an indirectly fabricated or prefabricated post and core, or a crown that has become dislodged or debonded.

When to Use D2910

Report D2910 when:

• Crown has become dislodged or debonded
• Crown is intact with no material failure
• Permanent cement is being used
• Crown will remain in service after reattachment

Do Not Report D2910

Do not report D2910 when:

• Crown has material failure or fracture (use D2980)
• Using temporary cement (use D2920)
• Crown is for an implant-supported restoration (use appropriate implant codes)
• Reattaching a bridge (use appropriate bridge code)

For complete guidance on crown billing scenarios, including when to bill repair vs reattachment, see our crown coding guide.

D2920 – Crown Reattachment (Temporary Cement)

D2920 is used to report temporary reattachment of a crown using temporary cement.

When to Use D2920

Report D2920 when:

• Crown requires temporary reattachment
• Temporary cement is being used
• Crown is being temporarily reattached pending further treatment

D2910 vs D2920 Code Selection

The determining factor between D2910 and D2920 is the type of cement used:

• D2910 = Permanent cement
• D2920 = Temporary cement

Frequency Limitations and Reimbursement Considerations

A crown repair (D2980) may be subject to the five to 10 year limitation for a replacement crown, and if performed, may limit the replacement of that crown by the same term.

If reimbursed, the amount may be 50% of the payor’s fee.

D2980 may not be billable to the patient for the first 12-24 months after initial placement, depending on plan processing criteria.

Documentation Requirements

Accompanying clinical documentation should describe the crown repair procedure.

The fee reimbursed may be based on the time necessary to perform the service and amount of the laboratory bill, if applicable.

It is suggested that the time spent be included in the documentation, and a copy of the laboratory bill be attached.

Additional Coding Resources and Support

Additional tips regarding proper reporting for restoration repairs can be found in Practice Booster’s Dental Coding With Confidence or their online Code Advisor!

If you are struggling with CDT coding, consider partnering with eAssist. Our Success Consultants have full access to the entire Practice Booster library to support you in coding for what you actually do as documented in the patient’s clinical record. For comprehensive implant maintenance coding including implant crown repair (D6090), or guidance on crown billing best practices, our team can help. To find out more, schedule a free consultation here.

Common Crown Procedure Coding Questions

Q: What is the difference between D2980 and D2910?
D2980 is for repair of a crown with material failure or fracture. D2910 is for reattachment of an intact crown that has become dislodged. The crown must have no material failure to use D2910.

Q: When do I use D2920 instead of D2910?
D2920 is used when temporary cement is being used for reattachment. D2910 is used when permanent cement is being used.

Q: Can I bill D2980 for an implant-supported crown repair?
No. Use D6090 for repair of an implant-supported prosthesis. D2980 is only for natural tooth-supported crowns.

Q: What is the ADA code for crown repair?
D2980 is the ADA/CDT code for crown repair necessitated by restorative material failure. Related codes include D2981 (inlay repair), D2982 (onlay repair), and D2983 (veneer repair).

Q: Can I bill D2980 for a bridge repair?
No. Use D6980 for fixed partial denture (bridge) repair. D2980 is only for single crown repairs.

Q: What code do I use for crown removal?
Crown removal procedures may be reported with appropriate codes depending on the reason for removal and whether the crown will be replaced. Consult the current CDT code manual or CDT coding resources for specific removal procedure codes.

Q: Do reattachment codes (D2910/D2920) have frequency limitations?
Frequency limitations vary by payor. Some plans may limit reattachment procedures to once per year or once every few years. Check individual payor policies for specific limitations.

Q: Can I bill D2950 (core buildup) with D2980 (crown repair)?
Do not report D2950 with D2980 when the crown has not been removed to place the core buildup. A core buildup is for retention of the crown and should not be reported if the crown remains in place.

Disclaimer: Insurance administration and dental billing recommendations presented here represent the opinions of the author or our staff and are for informational purposes only. You are responsible for your own use of the CDT Codes, insurance administration, and dental billing. For the latest CDT codes and official interpretations, contact the American Dental Association or visit ADA.org.