D2950 is for a core buildup, including any pins, when a tooth needs structural reinforcement before a crown. This is used when the remaining tooth structure is insufficient to support a crown on its own. The buildup replaces missing tooth structure and creates a solid foundation for the final restoration. Commonly placed on endodontically treated teeth or teeth with extensive decay.
D2950 is for a core buildup, including any pins, when a tooth needs structural reinforcement before a crown. This is used when the remaining tooth structure is insufficient to support a crown on its own. The buildup replaces missing tooth structure and creates a solid foundation for the final restoration. Commonly placed on endodontically treated teeth or teeth with extensive decay.
Do NOT use D2950 for: Teeth with enough remaining structure to support a crown without a buildup. Amalgam or composite fillings placed as restorations (use D2140-D2394). Post and core procedures (use D2954 for prefabricated post and core).
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Core buildup using restorative material (composite, amalgam, glass ionomer) with or without pins. No prefabricated post.
Prefabricated post and core in addition to a crown. Used when the root canal space is utilized to provide retention for the core material via a post.
Some plans bundle D2950 into the crown fee and won't pay separately. This is the most common denial for core buildups. Check the patient's plan before treatment. If the plan bundles, inform the patient they may owe the buildup fee out of pocket.
You must document why the tooth needs a buildup. "Core buildup placed" isn't enough. Document the amount of remaining tooth structure, the extent of decay or fracture, and why the remaining structure cannot support a crown without reinforcement.
If the tooth has 50%+ of coronal structure remaining, payers may deny the buildup as not necessary. The documentation needs to clearly show that remaining structure is inadequate for crown retention.
Document remaining tooth structure before the buildup. Percentage of remaining coronal structure, location of missing walls, extent of decay.
Note the buildup material (composite, amalgam, glass ionomer) and whether pins were placed.
Pre-op radiograph showing the tooth condition, especially for endodontically treated teeth.
D2950 is almost always billed with a crown code (D2740, D2750, etc). Make sure both are documented separately.
Bundling is the most common issue with D2950. Some plans include the buildup in the crown fee and won't pay D2950 separately under any circumstances. Others pay D2950 separately but only when specific criteria are met (less than 50% of coronal structure remaining, endodontically treated tooth, etc.). A third group pays D2950 separately with no restrictions. Know which type of plan your patient has before treatment so you can set the right financial expectations.
Documenting the need for a buildup is more important than you think. Even when the plan covers D2950 separately, the payer may request records to verify clinical necessity. Your note should include: number of remaining walls, percentage of remaining coronal structure, whether pins were placed and why, and the material used. A note that says "buildup placed prior to crown" without specifics invites a denial.
D2950 vs D2949 (restorative foundation for an indirect restoration). D2949 is sometimes confused with D2950 but they serve different purposes. D2950 is a core buildup when the tooth structure is insufficient. D2949 is a foundation restoration placed as a separate procedure from the crown. In most clinical situations, D2950 is the correct code. Use D2949 only when the restorative foundation is a distinct procedure not related to core replacement.
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Learn about our billing servicesD2950 is the CDT code for a core buildup including any pins. It replaces missing tooth structure to create a foundation for a crown.
Not always. Some plans bundle the buildup into the crown fee. Check the patient plan before treatment.
When remaining tooth structure is insufficient to support a crown. Commonly needed after root canal therapy or extensive decay removal.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.