D5630 dental code: repair or replace broken clasp, per tooth.

D5630 is the CDT code for repair or replacement of broken retentive clasping materials on a removable partial denture, billed per tooth. It covers the repair or fabrication of a new clasp when the existing clasp arm has fractured or become non-functional, restoring retention to the partial denture.

Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team

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Code
D5630
Category
Prosthodontics
Billing Unit
Per tooth
Applies To
Partial dentures

When to use D5630

Use D5630 when repairing or replacing a broken, fractured, or non-functional clasp on an existing removable partial denture. The code applies when the retentive clasping component - the metal arm that wraps around an abutment tooth to hold the partial in place - is damaged and needs to be repaired or rebuilt. It is billed per tooth (per abutment where the clasp is located).

Common clinical scenarios: Patient presents with a broken clasp arm on an existing cast metal partial denture. Metal fatigue or accidental damage has caused the clasp to fracture. The partial no longer stays in place because the retentive arm has lost its form. A chairside or lab-based clasp repair is performed and the partial is returned to the patient with restored retention.

Do NOT use D5630 for: Replacing broken denture teeth on a partial (use D5640). Relining or rebasing a partial denture (use D5740-D5761 range). Adjusting a partial denture that is not broken (use D5410 or D5421). Repairing the acrylic base of a partial denture (use D5610 or D5620). Fabricating a brand-new partial denture (use D5211-D5214). Tissue conditioning (use D5851-D5852).

Why D5630 claims get denied

Plan considers the partial due for replacement

If the existing partial is old, some plans will deny repair codes and instead apply the benefit toward a replacement prosthesis. The payer's position is that repairing an aging partial is not cost-effective and the patient should receive a new prosthesis. Confirm the age of the existing partial and the plan's policy on repairs before submitting the claim. Document that the partial is otherwise serviceable and that replacement is not yet indicated.

Insufficient documentation of the broken clasp

The claim must clearly identify which tooth's clasp was repaired. Billing D5630 without specifying the abutment tooth number or describing the nature of the damage is a common reason for denial or request for additional information. Clinical notes should identify the tooth, describe the fracture or damage, and confirm that the repair restores function.

Plan frequency limitations on repairs

Some plans limit the number of denture repairs covered per year or per prosthesis. If the patient has already had a repair billed within the covered frequency window, a subsequent D5630 may be denied. Review the patient's claim history before submitting and document the clinical necessity if multiple repairs are needed.

Repair code billed with replacement code

Billing D5630 on the same date of service as a new partial denture code (D5213, D5214, etc.) can trigger a denial. If a new partial is being fabricated, the repair to the old one is typically not separately reimbursable. These services should be clinically separate and documented accordingly if both are legitimately billable.

Documentation checklist for D5630

Tooth number of the affected abutment

Identify the specific tooth whose clasp is being repaired or replaced. D5630 is a per-tooth code. The tooth number must be documented in the clinical notes and included on the claim.

Description of the clasp damage

Note whether the clasp arm was fractured, distorted, fatigued, or otherwise non-functional. Describe the type of repair performed - chairside adjustment with new clasp, lab fabrication of a replacement clasp arm, or addition of a new retentive element.

Existing partial denture history

Document when the original partial was placed and confirm it is otherwise in serviceable condition. This supports the claim that repair is appropriate rather than replacement.

Radiograph of the abutment tooth (if requested)

Some payers request a periapical radiograph of the abutment tooth to confirm its clinical status and suitability to support a clasp. Include it if available and if the plan requires it.

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Related denture repair and prosthodontics codes

D5610 Repair broken complete denture base
D5620 Repair cast framework
D5640 Replace broken teeth, per tooth (denture teeth, not clasps)
D5110 Complete denture, maxillary
D5120 Complete denture, mandibular
D5820 Interim partial denture, maxillary

D5630 FAQ

What is D5630 dental code?

D5630 is the CDT code for repair or replacement of broken retentive clasping materials on a removable partial denture. It is billed per tooth (per abutment) and covers the repair or fabrication of a new clasp arm when the existing clasp has fractured or become non-functional.

Is D5630 billed per tooth or per denture?

D5630 is billed per tooth. Each clasp that is repaired or replaced on a different abutment tooth is a separate billable unit. If two clasps are repaired at the same visit, document each one with the corresponding tooth number and bill D5630 for each.

What is the difference between D5630 and D5640?

D5630 is for repairing or replacing broken clasps (the metal retention arms). D5640 is for replacing broken denture teeth (the artificial teeth in the acrylic base). They address different parts of the partial denture and can both be billed at the same visit if both repairs are performed.

Do dental plans cover D5630?

Coverage varies by plan. Many plans cover denture repair codes but may have frequency limits, require documentation, or deny if the partial is considered too old to repair economically. Always verify benefits before the appointment.

What documentation is needed for D5630?

Clinical notes identifying the abutment tooth number, a description of the clasp damage (fracture, distortion, etc.), the repair method used (chairside or lab), and confirmation that the partial is otherwise serviceable. Some payers may also request a radiograph of the abutment tooth.

Can D5630 be billed if the partial denture needs to be replaced entirely?

No. D5630 is for repair of a serviceable existing partial denture. If the partial is beyond repair and full replacement is clinically indicated, the correct code is the applicable definitive removable partial denture code (such as D5213 or D5214) rather than a repair code.

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