D2752 is the CDT code for a crown with a porcelain or ceramic facing fused to a noble metal substructure. Noble metal alloys contain at least 25% noble metal by weight. This code sits between D2750 (high noble PFM) and D2751 (base metal PFM), and correct classification depends on the lab alloy documentation.
Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D2752 claims →Use D2752 when the lab documentation confirms the alloy is noble metal (at least 25% noble content but below the 60% high noble threshold for D2750). The lab invoice or alloy report is the source of truth for the code.
D2752 is for a standalone single-unit crown on a natural tooth, not a bridge retainer. The tooth is extensively damaged, decayed, or post-endodontic and requires full coverage rather than a direct restoration.
When the clinician or patient prefers a PFM crown rather than all-ceramic (D2740), and the alloy selected is in the noble metal range, D2752 is the correct code. Common in posterior situations where metal durability is prioritized.
The most common D2752 error is billing the wrong PFM code because the alloy type was not verified. If the lab used a high noble alloy (60%+ noble), the correct code is D2750. If the lab used a base metal alloy (under 25% noble), the correct code is D2751. Always review the lab documentation before coding. Misclassification is an audit risk and may result in payment recoupment.
Crown pre-authorization requirements apply equally to D2752 as to other crown codes. If the patient's plan requires pre-auth for major restorative procedures and you skip it, the claim may be denied or paid at a reduced rate. Verify requirements before the preparation appointment and document the authorization number.
Most plans will not pay for a replacement crown on the same tooth within 5 to 7 years. If the patient has a recent crown on record under any code, the replacement claim will be denied unless a narrative explains the clinical necessity for early replacement. Submit supporting documentation proactively.
Payers expect radiographic evidence and a clinical narrative that supports full coverage. The pre-op x-ray should show the extent of decay, fracture, or post-endodontic status. The clinical note should specify why a direct restoration was not viable. Vague entries are the most common reason for additional information requests and denials.
Periapical or bitewing x-ray showing the tooth, the extent of structural compromise, and the clinical indication for full-coverage restoration. This is the primary justification document.
Keep the lab invoice or alloy composition report in the patient record. It should confirm the alloy used meets the noble metal threshold (at least 25% noble content). This document supports D2752 vs. D2750 or D2751.
Document the diagnosis, the extent of decay or fracture, why full coverage was indicated, and why a direct restoration was not sufficient. Include post-endodontic status if applicable.
Confirm whether the patient's plan requires pre-auth for crowns. Submit with x-rays and clinical notes before treatment. Include the authorization number on the claim.
Verify no prior crown claim exists on the same tooth within the plan's frequency window. If a replacement is clinically necessary within the window, prepare a supporting narrative before submitting.
PFM crown claims getting denied or downcoded? We identify the alloy classification and documentation gaps causing it.
Learn about our billing servicesD2752 is the CDT code for a crown with a porcelain or ceramic exterior fused to a noble metal substructure. Noble metal alloys contain at least 25% noble metal by weight but below the 60% high noble threshold used for D2750.
Both are porcelain fused to metal crowns. D2750 requires a high noble alloy (at least 60% noble metal, at least 40% gold). D2752 uses a noble alloy with 25% or more noble metal but below the high noble threshold. The lab documentation determines which code is correct.
D2752 uses a noble metal substructure (at least 25% noble metal content). D2751 uses a base metal substructure (less than 25% noble metal). Both have a porcelain overlay. The metal composition in the lab alloy report determines the correct code.
Review the lab invoice or alloy composition report. High noble alloys (60%+ noble, 40%+ gold) use D2750. Noble alloys (25-59% noble) use D2752. Base metal alloys (under 25% noble) use D2751. Keep the lab documentation in the patient record to support the code billed.
Common denial reasons include misclassification of the metal alloy, missing pre-authorization, frequency limitation, and insufficient clinical documentation. Verifying the alloy type before coding is the most important prevention step.
Many dental plans require pre-authorization for crowns. This applies to D2752 the same as other crown codes. Check the patient's plan before treatment, submit pre-auth with radiographs and clinical notes, and include the authorization number on the claim.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.