D6240 is the CDT code for a pontic, porcelain fused to high noble metal. A pontic is the artificial replacement tooth in a fixed dental bridge. It is suspended between two abutment crowns and replaces a missing tooth. D6240 specifies a porcelain-fused-to-high-noble-metal (PFM) construction, meaning the substructure contains at least 60% noble metal by weight with at least 40% gold.
Last updated June 2026 ยท Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D6240 claims →Patient is missing one or more teeth and has healthy abutment teeth on each side. A PFM bridge is planned. D6240 is billed for each pontic unit in the bridge.
The lab prescription calls for high noble metal alloy (at least 60% noble metal, at least 40% gold). If base metal is used, the correct code is D6242. Material selection must match the code billed.
Patient had a tooth extracted (ideally after coverage began) and is receiving a fixed bridge rather than a removable partial or implant. See the missing tooth clause guide if the tooth was absent before coverage started.
Do NOT use D6240 for: Standalone single-unit crowns on natural teeth (use D2750). Implant-supported crowns (use D6065). All-ceramic pontics (use D6245). Pontics on implant-supported bridges (different D-series codes apply). Retainer crowns that anchor the bridge on the abutment teeth (use D6750 for PFM retainers or D6740 for ceramic retainers).
Click any code to see the difference.
The artificial tooth in the middle of the bridge that replaces the missing tooth. It is suspended and does not sit on any tooth. PFM construction, high noble metal.
The crown that fits over a prepared natural abutment tooth and holds the bridge in place. Same PFM high noble material as D6240, but functions as a retainer, not a pontic.
Billing tip: A standard three-unit bridge replacing one missing tooth bills as two retainer crowns (D6750 x2) plus one pontic (D6240 x1) - one line item per unit. All three are billed on the same claim with the same date of service. Missing a unit or billing the wrong code for each position is the most common bridge billing error.
This is the most common denial for bridge pontic claims. Many dental plans exclude coverage for teeth that were missing before the patient's coverage became effective. If the tooth replaced by the D6240 pontic was extracted before the coverage start date, the claim will be denied. Verify coverage history before treatment. If the extraction occurred while coverage was active, document the extraction date and prior claim clearly. See our missing tooth clause guide for a full breakdown.
Most plans require pre-authorization for fixed bridges. Submit pre-auth with periapical radiographs of the abutment teeth, a narrative explaining why a fixed bridge is indicated rather than a removable partial, and the proposed treatment plan including all unit codes. Do not start the case until written approval is received.
Most plans limit bridge replacement to once every 5-10 years. If the patient had a bridge in the same area within the plan's replacement window, the claim will be denied. Request the patient's prior dental history and check the plan's replacement policy before treatment begins.
Billing D6240 when the lab used a non-high-noble alloy or an all-ceramic material is an audit trigger. Verify the lab slip specifies high noble metal alloy (at least 60% noble, at least 40% gold). If the lab used base metal, the correct code is D6241. If all-ceramic, it is D6245. The billed code must match the fabricated material.
Radiographs of the edentulous space and abutment teeth showing bone levels, root structure, and absence of pathology. These are required by most payers for pre-authorization and claim submission.
Record the date of extraction (or confirm congenital absence) and document that the tooth was absent after coverage became effective. Include the original extraction claim or referral if available.
Some plans require a narrative explaining why a fixed prosthesis is indicated over a removable partial denture. Document abutment tooth suitability and the patient's functional requirements.
The laboratory prescription or invoice must confirm the alloy classification. High noble metal must contain at least 60% noble metal by weight, with at least 40% gold. Keep this on file to support the billed code.
Document the pre-auth number, approval date, and approved units. Include the approval reference on the claim. Verify that the approval covers the D6240 pontic specifically, not just the abutment crowns.
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Learn about our billing servicesD6240 is the CDT code for a pontic, porcelain fused to high noble metal. A pontic is the artificial replacement tooth in a fixed dental bridge. It is suspended between two abutment crowns and replaces a missing tooth. The high noble metal substructure must contain at least 60% noble metal by weight, with at least 40% gold.
A crown fits over a prepared natural tooth or implant abutment. A pontic is the artificial tooth in the middle of a bridge that replaces a missing tooth. It is suspended and does not attach to any tooth. They may use the same material but serve completely different functions in the prosthesis.
D6240 is a pontic in a traditional fixed bridge, supported by natural tooth abutments. D6065 is an implant-supported crown that attaches directly to an implant body. D6240 is part of a bridge involving natural teeth; D6065 is a standalone implant restoration.
Many dental plans include a missing tooth clause that denies coverage for teeth missing before coverage began. If the tooth replaced by the D6240 pontic was missing before the patient's coverage started, the claim may be denied. Verify the plan's missing tooth clause and document extraction dates carefully.
D6240 is always billed as part of a bridge. Abutment teeth are billed separately, typically as D6750 (retainer crown, porcelain fused to high noble metal) or D6740 (retainer crown, porcelain/ceramic). Each unit - pontic and each retainer crown - is a separate line item on the same claim.
Common reasons include the missing tooth clause, frequency limitations on bridge replacement, missing pre-authorization, insufficient documentation of clinical necessity, and a mismatch between the billed code and the lab material actually used.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.