D2920Re-cement or Re-bond Crown

What This Code Covers

D2920 covers re-cementing or re-bonding a crown that has become loose or completely detached from the tooth. The provider removes old cement from the crown and tooth, cleans both surfaces, and re-cements the crown in place. This is one of the most commonly billed re-cementation codes in general dentistry.

Billing Guide

Bill this code when:

• An existing crown has come loose or fallen off and is being re-cemented
• The crown is still in usable condition and fits properly
• The underlying tooth is intact and does not require additional treatment
• The re-cementation is performed as a standalone procedure

Do not bill this code when:

• A new crown is being fabricated. Use the appropriate crown code
• The crown is damaged and cannot be re-used
• An inlay, onlay, or veneer came loose. Use D2910
• The crown needs to be adjusted or repaired before re-cementation (bill adjustment separately if applicable)

Insurance and Denial Prevention

Key Payer Rules:

• Most plans cover D2920 as a minor procedure at a modest reimbursement
• Some plans have a frequency limit for re-cementation (e.g., once per tooth per year)
• If the crown keeps falling off, the payer may question whether a new crown is needed
• D2920 should not be billed on the same date as a new crown on the same tooth

Common Denials and How to Respond:

• Frequency limit exceeded → Verify the plan's re-cementation frequency limit. If the crown keeps failing, document the clinical situation.
• New crown recommended → If the payer suggests a new crown, document that the existing crown is functional and re-cementation is appropriate.
• Bundled with evaluation → Some payers may bundle D2920 with the evaluation. Document it as a separate procedure.