D2930Prefabricated Stainless Steel Crown - Primary Tooth

What This Code Covers

D2930 covers a prefabricated stainless steel crown (SSC) placed on a primary (baby) tooth. Stainless steel crowns are the gold standard for restoring primary molars with extensive decay, failed large fillings, or after pulp therapy. The pre-made metal crown is trimmed and crimped to fit the tooth, then cemented in place. SSCs are highly durable and typically last until the baby tooth naturally falls out.

Billing Guide

Bill this code when:

• A prefabricated stainless steel crown is placed on a primary tooth
• The tooth has extensive decay that a filling alone cannot reliably restore
• The crown is placed after pulp therapy (pulpotomy, pulpectomy)
• The tooth has a fractured cusp or structural failure requiring full coverage

Do not bill this code when:

• The tooth is permanent. Use D2931
• A porcelain/ceramic prefabricated crown is used. Use D2929
• A lab-made custom crown is fabricated (not applicable for primary teeth)
• The tooth should be extracted rather than restored

Insurance and Denial Prevention

Key Payer Rules:

• Most pediatric dental plans and Medicaid programs cover D2930 for primary teeth
• SSCs are often covered at a higher benefit percentage than fillings (as basic or major)
• If placed on the same date as pulp therapy, both codes are typically covered
• Some plans may require radiographic documentation of extensive decay

Common Denials and How to Respond:

• Filling would suffice → Document the extent of decay and structural compromise that make a filling insufficient.
• Tooth should be extracted → Provide the tooth's expected exfoliation date and rationale for preservation.
• Missing pre-op radiograph → Submit the radiograph showing the decay or prior restoration failure.