How do we code a bridge supported by implants?

Answer

The pontic on an implant supported bridge is reported using the conventional pontic code representing the material used (e.g., D6245 for a porcelain/ceramic pontic). However, the bridge retainer codes vary depending on whether or not an abutment was used to attach the bridge retainer to the implant body.

If an abutment was used to connect the bridge retainer crown to the implant body, an abutment supported retainer code needs to be billed (i.e., D6068-D6074, D6194). For example, D6068 is billed if using a ceramic/porcelain retainer that is supported by a prefabricated or custom abutment in addition to the abutment device—D6056, if prefabricated or D6057, if custom (i.e., cast or milled).

If no separate connection device is used to attach the bridge retainer to the implant body, one of the implant supported retainer codes should be reported (D6075-D6077). For example, if a ceramic bridge retainer is screwed or cemented directly onto the implant body, D6075 would need to be billed.