D2954 is the CDT code for placement of a prefabricated post into a root-canal-treated tooth plus a core buildup, billed in addition to a crown. The post is commercially manufactured (prefabricated), not custom cast. D2954 is always billed alongside a crown code, never as a standalone procedure.
Get help with D2954 claims →Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
After root canal therapy, if there is not enough natural tooth structure to retain a crown, a post is placed in the canal and core material is built up before crown prep.
The post is a manufactured post (titanium, stainless steel, fiber post, etc.) chosen from standard sizes and cemented into the canal. Not custom-fabricated in a lab. That would be D2952.
D2954 is an "in addition to crown" code. It must be billed alongside a crown code (D2740, D2750, D2752, D2790, D2710, etc.) on the same tooth, typically on the same date of service as the crown prep.
Do NOT use D2954 for: Core buildups without a post (use D2950). Custom cast post and core fabricated in a dental lab (use D2952). Post and core on implants. A standalone post and core without a crown being placed. Vital teeth that have not had RCT.
Some dental plans include the post and core in the crown benefit and will not pay D2954 as a separately billable service. The EOB will show the crown paid and D2954 denied as a bundled or included service. This is a plan policy, not a coding error. Verify the patient's specific plan benefits before treatment. If the plan bundles, inform the patient that the post and core fee is not separately covered.
D2954 billed without a crown code on the same tooth will be denied. The CDT description is explicit: "in addition to crown." If the crown claim was submitted previously and the D2954 is submitted separately in a later claim batch, include a reference to the prior crown claim. Reviewers need to see both the crown and the post and core to process D2954.
A post goes into a root canal space, so the tooth must have had root canal therapy. If there is no endodontic code (D3310, D3320, D3330) on file, the plan may deny D2954 for missing documentation. The radiograph after RCT (showing obturation) should be included with the claim or pre-authorization. Prior endodontic treatment by another provider is fine; document it in the notes and attach the referral or radiograph.
Billing D2954 when only a core buildup was done (no post) is a coding error. If the tooth had enough root canal space for a post and a post was placed, that's D2954. If the tooth structure was built up with composite or amalgam without inserting a post into the canal, that's D2950. The clinical notes and radiograph should clearly distinguish which procedure was done.
Prior or concurrent root canal therapy is required. Include the obturated periapical radiograph. If the RCT was done by another provider, reference the endodontist's records and attach if available.
Document the post type: fiber post, titanium post, stainless steel post, etc. This confirms the post is prefabricated (off the shelf), not custom cast, and supports D2954 over D2952.
D2954 must always accompany a crown code. Ensure the crown code and D2954 are on the same claim or clearly reference the same tooth and treatment episode. Isolated D2954 claims will be denied.
State why a post was needed: insufficient coronal tooth structure remaining after decay removal and root canal access, or fracture extending into the root. Reviewers want to see clinical necessity, not just that a post was placed.
A periapical radiograph showing the post in the canal after cementation is ideal supporting documentation. It objectively confirms the procedure was performed and the post type is visible.
Post and core claims getting bundled or denied? We make sure every billable service on a crown case is captured and paid.
Learn about our billing servicesD2954 is the CDT code for a prefabricated post and core placed in addition to a crown. The post is a commercially manufactured post cemented into a root canal space. It must always be billed alongside a crown code.
D2950 is a core buildup without a post. D2954 includes a prefabricated post inserted into the root canal space plus a core. Both are billed in addition to a crown. The post placement is what distinguishes D2954 from D2950.
D2952 is a cast post and core custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory. D2954 is a prefabricated post (manufactured off the shelf) with a composite or amalgam core built around it. The fabrication method determines the code.
No. The CDT description says "in addition to crown." D2954 must always be billed with a corresponding crown code on the same tooth. Billing it standalone will result in denial from most plans.
Common reasons: plan bundles post and core into the crown benefit, no corresponding crown code on the claim, no documentation of prior endodontic treatment, and chart notes that don't confirm a post was placed vs. a core buildup alone.
Yes. A post is placed into a root canal space, so the tooth must have had root canal therapy. Documentation should confirm prior or concurrent RCT with a supporting radiograph showing obturation.
Search all CDT codes in our dental coding guide.