d6930 Dental Code: Rebonding and Repair Explained

If you have ever received a dental bill or a treatment plan and found yourself staring at a string of numbers and letters, you know it can feel like reading a foreign language. Dental codes are the shorthand that dentists and insurance companies use to communicate exactly what work was done. They are essential for keeping records straight and making sure claims are processed correctly.

One code that often causes confusion for patients—and even for some in the administrative side of dentistry—is the d6930 dental code.

You might see this on a treatment plan after you’ve had a crown or bridge work done, specifically one that is attached to a dental implant. But what does it actually mean? Is it a repair? Is it a replacement? And most importantly, will your insurance cover it?

In this guide, we are going to pull back the curtain on the d6930 dental code. We’ll explore exactly what it entails, when it is used, the step-by-step procedure involved, and what you can expect regarding costs and insurance. Whether you are a patient trying to understand your bill or a professional looking for a clear resource, you are in the right place.

Let’s dive in and make sense of it all.

What Exactly is the d6930 Dental Code?

To put it simply, the d6930 dental code is the specific designation used in dentistry for the procedure of “rebonding” or “re-cementing” a restoration that is attached to an implant abutment.

Let’s break that down because it’s a mouthful.

In the world of dental implants, a restoration is the visible part of the tooth—the crown, bridge, or denture that looks like a real tooth. This restoration isn’t usually a single piece with the implant screw. Instead, it is often attached to an abutment, which is a connector piece that sits on top of the implant (the screw in your jawbone).

Sometimes, that crown or bridge can become loose. It might pop off entirely while you are eating something sticky, or it might just feel a little wobbly. When that happens, the dentist doesn’t necessarily need to make a whole new crown. If the crown and the abutment are still in good shape, they can simply be cleaned and recemented back into place.

That is precisely what the d6930 code represents. It is the service of removing the loose restoration, cleaning the components, and then using dental cement to fix it securely back onto the abutment or the implant itself.

Key Terminology

To help you understand discussions with your dental team, here are the key terms associated with this code:

• Rebonding: Another word for recementing. It implies the restoration is being “bonded” back to the abutment.

• Implant Abutment: The connecting piece that is screwed into the dental implant. The crown sits on top of the abutment.

• Restoration: The artificial tooth or teeth (crown, bridge) that are visible in your mouth.

• Recementation: The process of using dental cement to attach the restoration to the abutment.

• Retrieval: The act of carefully removing the loose restoration from the mouth.

When is the d6930 Dental Code Used? (Indications)

So, when does a dentist actually need to use this code? It isn’t used for a routine checkup or for placing a new implant. It is a corrective or maintenance procedure. You will typically see the d6930 dental code used in the following specific scenarios:

1. The Crown Has Come Loose

This is the most common reason. You are eating a bagel, and suddenly you feel something hard in your mouth. You look, and it’s your implant crown. Don’t panic! This happens. If the crown is intact and the underlying abutment and implant are healthy, your dentist can clean everything off and glue it back down.

2. Loss of Retention (The “Wobble”)

Sometimes the crown doesn’t fall completely off, but it feels loose. You might notice it rotates slightly or moves when you bite down. This indicates that the cement seal has failed. If left unchecked, this can lead to food particles getting trapped underneath, which can cause gum inflammation or bad breath. The d6930 code covers the removal and rebonding to fix this “wobble.”

3. Recementation of a Bridge

If you have an implant-supported bridge (replacing multiple teeth), the bridge is cemented onto two or more abutments. If the cement fails on one side, the bridge can become unseated. This code applies to removing the bridge, cleaning it, and recementing the entire structure.

Important Note: The d6930 dental code is strictly for cement-retained restorations. Some implants use a screw-retained design, where the crown is held in place by a small screw that goes through the biting surface. If that screw comes loose, the procedure is different and would fall under a different code (usually involving the retrieval of a loose screw).

The d6930 Procedure: Step-by-Step

Knowing what happens during the procedure can ease a lot of anxiety. The process for recementing an implant crown is usually straightforward, quick, and painless. Here is a typical walkthrough of what happens when your dentist performs a d6930 procedure.

Step 1: Examination and Assessment

Before the dentist touches anything, they will examine the area. They will check the loose crown, the abutment underneath, and the health of the surrounding gums. They need to ensure that the reason the crown came loose wasn’t due to a failing implant or a broken abutment. An x-ray is often taken at this stage to see the bone level and confirm the implant itself is stable.

Step 2: Gentle Retrieval

If the crown is very loose, the dentist might be able to lift it off with their fingers or a simple instrument. If it’s only partially loose, they will use a special tool to gently wiggle it off the abutment without damaging the crown or the abutment.

Step 3: Cleaning and Preparation

This is a critical step for a long-lasting bond. The dentist will thoroughly clean the inside of the crown to remove old cement, saliva, and bacteria. They will also clean the abutment surface in your mouth. This creates a clean, dry surface that the new cement can adhere to properly.

Step 4: Recementation

The dentist will mix a small amount of dental cement. The type of cement used can vary (temporary vs. permanent) and will be chosen based on the clinical situation. The cement is placed inside the crown, and the crown is carefully seated back onto the abutment.

Step 5: Bite Adjustment and Finishing

You will be asked to bite down. The dentist will check your bite (occlusion) to make sure the crown isn’t hitting too hard, which could cause the new cement to fail. They will remove any excess cement that squeezed out from the edges—this is vital to prevent gum irritation. Finally, they will check the contact points with your neighboring teeth to ensure everything feels normal.

d6930 vs. Other Related Dental Codes

One of the biggest sources of confusion is how this code differs from others that sound similar. Is it the same as getting a new crown? No. Is it the same as repairing a denture? Definitely not. Let’s look at a comparison table to clarify.

The main takeaway: The d6930 is a maintenance code. It is not for creating something new; it is for fixing the attachment of something that already exists and is in good working condition.

Insurance Coverage and Costs for d6930

Understanding the financial side of dental procedures is often the most stressful part. So, what can you expect to pay for a d6930 procedure, and will your insurance help?

Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost

Because the d6930 is generally a quick and straightforward procedure (usually taking one short appointment), it is significantly less expensive than getting a new crown made. You are paying for the dentist’s time, their expertise, and the materials used (cement).

Depending on your geographic location and the specific dentist’s fee schedule, you can typically expect the cost to range from $150 to $350.

Insurance Coverage Nuances

Here is where things get a little tricky. Insurance coverage for the d6930 dental code varies widely.

• It is not a “Major” Procedure: Most insurance plans categorize procedures. New crowns and bridges are typically “major” services. The d6930 is often classified as a “minor” restorative procedure. This is good news, as minor procedures usually have a higher coverage percentage.

• Frequency Limitations: Insurance companies look for value. They are unlikely to pay for the same crown to be recemented over and over again. Most plans will cover a d6930 procedure, but they may limit it to once every 3, 5, or even 10 years per tooth. If your crown keeps falling off, the insurance company might argue that it needs to be replaced entirely, not just rebonded.

• The Warranty Period: Many dental offices offer a warranty on their work. If your crown was placed within the last year or two and it falls off, the dentist may perform the recementation at no charge to you as part of their service guarantee. It is always worth asking your dentist’s office about this before assuming you will be billed.

A Note for Patients: Always check with your insurance provider beforehand. Ask them, “What is the coverage for code D6930?” This will prevent any surprise bills later on.

How Long Does a Rebond Last? (Longevity and Care)

After you’ve had the procedure done, your main question will likely be: “How long will it stay on this time?”

There isn’t a simple answer, as it depends on several factors. However, a successful rebonding can last for many years if the underlying cause of the failure is addressed.

Factors Affecting Longevity

1. The Reason for Failure: Was the crown loose because you bit into something too hard, or because there was an underlying issue with the fit of the crown? If the crown doesn’t fit perfectly, it might come loose again regardless of the cement used.

2. Oral Hygiene: Just like natural teeth, the area around the implant needs to be kept clean. Plaque buildup around the margin where the crown meets the gum can lead to inflammation (peri-implant mucositis), which can compromise the seal of the cement.

3. Bite Force (Parafunction): Patients who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism) put immense pressure on dental work. This can cause cement to fail more quickly. If you grind your teeth, a nightguard is highly recommended to protect your implants and crowns.

4. Type of Cement Used: Dentists have a range of cements, from temporary to permanent. In some cases, the dentist may use a “semi-permanent” or “permanent” cement for a rebond, which will provide a much stronger hold than the original cement that failed.

Common Reasons for Implant Crown Failure (and How d6930 Fixes Them)

Understanding why an implant crown comes loose can help you prevent it from happening again. Here are the most common culprits and how the d6930 procedure addresses them.

1. Cement Washout

Over time, the thin layer of dental cement between the crown and the abutment can dissolve or wash out, especially if the margins aren’t perfectly sealed. Saliva and tiny food particles work their way in, breaking down the bond. The d6930 procedure fixes this by cleaning out the old, compromised cement and applying a fresh, strong layer.

2. Abutment Screw Loosening (Indirectly)

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the cement, but the abutment screw itself. If the screw that holds the abutment to the implant loosens, it can push the crown up, making it feel loose. In this case, the dentist may need to remove the crown (using the d6930 logic) to access and tighten the screw, and then recement the crown. The code covers the removal and recementation of the crown, which is necessary to perform the underlying repair.

3. Mechanical Debonding

A sudden impact, like biting down on an olive pit or a piece of hard candy, can create a force strong enough to snap the cement seal instantly. The d6930 is the solution to glue the perfectly good crown back on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common questions patients have about the d6930 dental code.

Is the d6930 procedure painful?

No, it should not be painful. The procedure involves working on the crown and the surface of the abutment. It does not involve the gums or the bone. If your gums are sore because the crown was loose and trapping food, the area may be sensitive, but the cleaning and recementing process itself is generally comfortable.

Can any dentist perform a d6930, or do I need a specialist?

A general dentist can typically perform a d6930 procedure. However, if there are complications—like a broken abutment, a suspected failing implant, or a complex multi-unit bridge—they may refer you to a prosthodontist or a periodontist who has advanced training in complex implant cases.

My crown fell off and I swallowed it. What now?

First, try not to worry. It happens more often than you think. Call your dentist immediately. If you have the crown, bring it with you. If you don’t, the dentist will need to examine the abutment to see if a new crown needs to be fabricated. This would likely change the code from d6930 (rebonding) to a new crown fabrication code.

Does my dental insurance cover d6930?

Most dental insurance plans that include implant benefits will cover a portion of the d6930 code. Because it is considered a minor restorative procedure, coverage can be between 50% and 80%, after your deductible. However, check your plan details, as some may have limitations on how often they will pay for it.

How long does the d6930 procedure take?

The appointment itself is usually very short. From the time you sit in the chair to the time you leave, you can expect it to take about 20 to 30 minutes. The longest part is often waiting for the x-ray to develop and ensuring the bite is perfectly adjusted.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of dental codes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The d6930 dental code is simply the professional way of saying, “We need to glue your implant tooth back on.” It is a common, routine, and relatively simple procedure designed to extend the life of your valuable dental restoration without the need for a costly and time-consuming replacement.

Understanding that this code represents maintenance, not a brand-new service, helps set the right expectations for both the procedure itself and the insurance coverage. If your implant crown ever feels loose or falls off, knowing about d6930 will help you communicate effectively with your dentist and understand the treatment plan they provide. Remember, a loose crown is usually a quick fix, so don’t hesitate to call your dental office to get it sorted out.

Additional Resources

To further your understanding of dental implant care and maintenance, you might find the following resource helpful.

• Link: The American Dental Association (ADA) – MouthHealthy – This is an excellent public resource for all things related to oral health, including detailed articles on implants, crowns, and bridges. It’s a reliable, patient-focused site that complements the clinical information discussed here.