D6210 is the CDT code for a pontic made of cast high noble metal — the artificial replacement-tooth portion of a fixed bridge, cast from a high-gold-content alloy. It reports the pontic only, not the retainer crowns that anchor the bridge.
Informational only — confirm the official CDT descriptor and your payers' rules independently. This is general guidance, not billing, coding, or clinical advice.
When to Use the D6210 Code
Report D6210 for the pontic unit of a fixed bridge when that pontic is cast from high noble metal (typically at least 60% noble metal, with at least 40% gold). The pontic is the false tooth that spans the gap between abutment teeth; D6210 covers that single component when made of this material.
Pick the code by material and component. D6210 is a high-noble cast pontic — distinct from a porcelain-fused pontic (D6240 high noble, D6241 noble, D6242 base metal) and a porcelain/ceramic pontic (D6245). It applies to a tooth-supported bridge pontic, not an implant-supported one, which has its own series. Each unit of a bridge is coded separately, so the pontic (D6210) and each retainer crown (D6750, D6780, etc.) appear as their own line items.
Documentation & Clinical Scenarios
Bridges are major, frequently reviewed benefits, so documentation should justify the fixed restoration:
- Tooth numbers for the missing tooth (pontic) and the abutment teeth, plus the bridge span.
- A narrative noting the pontic material (cast high noble metal) and why a fixed bridge was chosen.
- Pre-operative radiograph(s) showing the edentulous space and abutment teeth.
- Dates — preparation and seat dates, since many payers tie the benefit to the seat date.
Each retainer crown is billed under its own code alongside the pontic. Document that the abutment teeth are sound enough to support a bridge, and keep the supporting evidence in the chart even when no pre-authorization is required, in case of post-payment review.
Insurance & Billing Tips
- Verify bridge benefits and missing-tooth clauses. Coverage may hinge on whether the tooth was missing before the plan's effective date.
- Pre-authorize when in doubt. A pre-estimate with radiographs is common for bridges and sets accurate patient expectations.
- Watch for metal-based alternate benefits. Some plans reimburse high noble metal at a base-metal rate; knowing this up front avoids surprises.
- Code each unit. The pontic (D6210) and each retainer crown are separate line items on the bridge claim.
- Check frequency and waiting periods. Bridges often carry replacement frequency limits and may have waiting periods on new plans.
Example Case
A 57-year-old patient is missing a lower first molar with healthy teeth on either side and elects a fixed bridge. The dentist plans a three-unit bridge with a cast high noble metal pontic and retainer crowns on the abutment teeth. The office submits a pre-estimate with a radiograph; the plan confirms coverage with the tooth documented as missing after the effective date. The bridge is prepped and later seated, and the claim is filed with D6210 for the pontic and separate retainer-crown codes for the abutments, using the seat date. Because benefits were verified and each unit was coded correctly, the claim is paid at the expected level.
Patients call about "getting a bridge" to fill a gap, not D6210. DentalReception AI answers and books those calls 24/7, captures insurance details, and routes clinical and billing questions to your team. See how it handles crown calls, or book a demo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between D6210 and D6240 or D6245?
Material. D6210 is a cast high noble metal pontic — full metal. D6240 is a pontic of porcelain fused to high noble metal, and D6245 is an all porcelain/ceramic pontic. They are all pontics (the replacement-tooth unit of a bridge) but differ in material and appearance, and plans may reimburse them at different rates. Code by what was actually fabricated, because a metal pontic and a tooth-colored pontic are distinct restorations.
Does D6210 cover the whole bridge?
No. D6210 is the pontic only — the single false-tooth unit. The retainer crowns that anchor the bridge to the abutment teeth are billed separately under their own codes (such as D6750 or D6780). A three-unit bridge typically appears on the claim as three line items: one pontic and two retainer crowns, each documented and coded individually.
Will insurance cover a D6210 bridge pontic?
Usually under major services, but it depends. Many plans cover bridges subject to a missing-tooth clause, frequency limits, and waiting periods, and some apply an alternate benefit that reimburses high noble metal at a lower-metal rate. Coverage often hinges on whether the tooth was missing before the plan's effective date. Verify bridge benefits before treatment so the patient estimate is accurate.
Do I need a pre-authorization for a D6210 bridge?
Many plans recommend or require a pre-estimate for bridges, submitted with radiographs showing the edentulous space and abutment teeth. Because bridges are major benefits often subject to missing-tooth clauses, alternate benefits, and frequency limits, getting the pre-estimate back before the prep appointment lets you quote the patient an accurate out-of-pocket amount and avoid a billing surprise.
Confirm the current CDT descriptor and your specific payer policies before billing — browse the full dental code library or see our insurance verification feature.