D5820 is the CDT code for an interim partial denture, maxillary - a transitional removable partial prosthesis for the upper arch that includes retentive clasping materials, rests, and teeth. It is a temporary solution used while extraction sites heal or while the definitive partial denture is being fabricated.
Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D5820 claims →Use D5820 when fabricating a transitional removable partial denture for the upper arch. The patient must still have some remaining natural teeth in the maxillary arch (otherwise use a complete denture code). The prosthesis is temporary by design - it is not the final restoration. It includes retentive clasping materials, occlusal rests, and denture teeth.
Common clinical scenarios: Patient who recently had upper teeth extracted and needs a transitional appliance while healing before a definitive partial is fabricated. Patient awaiting implant osseointegration who needs an interim tooth replacement. Situation where the patient's overall treatment plan includes a permanent partial denture but the tissues or bone are not yet ready for final impressions.
Do NOT use D5820 for: Definitive maxillary removable partial dentures (use D5211 for resin base, D5212 for cast metal framework). Mandibular interim partial dentures (use D5821). Complete upper dentures where no teeth remain (use D5110). Removable partial dentures for implant overdenture cases (use appropriate implant prosthetics codes). Space maintainers in pediatric cases (use D1510).
The missing tooth clause can limit or eliminate coverage for D5820 when teeth were extracted before coverage began. Confirm the patient's coverage start date and extraction history as part of your pre-treatment verification process.
Many dental plans do not cover interim partial dentures at all. Some plans only reimburse for definitive prosthetics and consider transitional appliances a non-covered service. Always verify benefits before treatment. If D5820 is not a covered benefit, inform the patient of their out-of-pocket responsibility before fabrication begins.
Some plans will deny D5820 if a permanent partial denture (D5211, D5212, D5213, or D5214) is also billed within the same plan year or within a specified window. The plan may consider the interim appliance bundled with the permanent one. Document the clinical justification for the interim prosthesis as a separate, distinct service with its own purpose and delivery date.
Like all prosthetic codes, D5820 is subject to the missing tooth clause on many plans. If the teeth being replaced were lost before coverage began, the plan may exclude the benefit. Verify the enrollment date and confirm when each missing tooth was extracted. See our missing tooth clause guide for strategies to address this denial type.
The notes must clearly establish that this is a temporary prosthesis with a defined treatment plan leading to a definitive restoration. If the chart reads like a permanent partial denture was delivered, the payer may deny or recode the claim. Document the reason for using an interim prosthesis, the expected duration of use, and the planned next step in treatment.
Document clearly that D5820 is a temporary prosthesis. Note the reason it is needed at this stage of treatment (e.g., post-extraction healing, pending implant placement, or waiting for bone to mature) and the planned transition to a definitive prosthesis.
Shows the current dentition, extraction sites, and bone levels. Supports the clinical rationale for a transitional prosthesis and documents the remaining teeth in the arch.
Payers want to see that the interim partial is one step in a documented treatment plan. Include the anticipated timeline, the definitive prosthesis planned, and any implant or surgical phases if applicable.
Confirm benefits for D5820 before fabricating. Note whether the plan covers interim partials, whether a missing tooth clause applies, and whether pre-authorization is required.
Some plans require pre-auth even for interim prosthetics. Submit with the radiograph, clinical notes, and treatment plan. Document the authorization number on the claim and in the patient record.
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Learn about our billing servicesD5820 is the CDT code for an interim partial denture, maxillary. It covers a transitional removable partial prosthesis for the upper arch that includes clasps, rests, and denture teeth. It is designed for temporary use - not as a final restoration.
D5820 is the maxillary (upper) interim partial. D5821 is the mandibular (lower) interim partial. Same type of prosthesis, different arches. Both are transitional and not intended as permanent restorations.
D5820 is a temporary interim partial denture. D5213 is a definitive cast metal framework removable partial denture for the mandible. D5820 is a bridge to a permanent solution - D5213 is the permanent solution itself (for the lower arch). They also differ by arch.
Coverage varies widely. Many plans do not cover interim partials at all, or will deny D5820 if a definitive partial is also billed in the same benefit period. Always verify coverage before starting fabrication and inform the patient of any out-of-pocket exposure.
Yes. If the missing upper teeth were absent before the patient's coverage started, the plan may deny D5820 under the missing tooth clause. Confirm enrollment dates and extraction history before treatment. Our missing tooth clause guide explains how to handle these denials.
Clinical notes must clearly state that this is a temporary prosthesis and explain why it is needed at this stage (post-extraction healing, pre-implant phase, etc.). Include a radiograph, the remaining dentition, and a treatment plan that shows the path to a definitive prosthesis. Pre-authorization documentation should be included if the plan requires it.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.