D2390Resin-Based Composite Crown, Anterior

What This Code Covers

D2390 covers a full resin-based composite crown on an anterior tooth. This is most commonly a "strip crown" on a primary (baby) front tooth where extensive decay has destroyed most of the tooth structure. The dentist uses a clear celluloid form filled with composite to rebuild the entire crown of the tooth. It may also be used on permanent teeth in limited situations where a lab-made crown is not feasible.

Billing Guide

Bill this code when:

• A full composite crown is placed on an anterior tooth, covering all surfaces
• The tooth has extensive decay requiring full circumferential restoration
• A strip crown technique is used on a primary anterior tooth
• The restoration replaces the entire clinical crown of the tooth

Do not bill this code when:

• Only a multi-surface filling is placed. Use D2335 for large anterior composites
• A prefabricated crown is used. Use D2929 (porcelain) or D2930 (stainless steel)
• A lab-made crown is fabricated. Use D2740 or similar crown codes
• The tooth is posterior

Insurance and Denial Prevention

Key Payer Rules:

• Most pediatric dental plans cover D2390 for primary teeth with extensive caries
• Reimbursement is typically higher than a multi-surface filling but lower than a lab-made crown
• Some payers may question the use of D2390 on permanent teeth
• Pre-authorization may be recommended for permanent teeth

Common Denials and How to Respond:

• Should be billed as a filling → Document that the restoration covers the full crown of the tooth, not just multiple surfaces.
• Crown code should be used → Clarify that D2390 is the correct code for a direct composite crown, not an indirect lab-made crown.
• Not covered on permanent teeth → Some plans limit D2390 to primary teeth. Verify plan provisions.