D6740 is the CDT code for a porcelain or ceramic crown that functions as a retainer (abutment) in a fixed partial denture. The material is identical to D2740, but this crown is part of a bridge. It anchors the bridge and supports the pontic replacing the missing tooth.
Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D6740 claims →Use D6740 when a porcelain or ceramic crown on a natural tooth is serving as the retainer (abutment) for a fixed partial denture. The crown is part of a multi-unit bridge rather than a standalone restoration. One or more D6740 retainer crowns support one or more pontics. Every crown in a bridge that sits on a natural tooth abutment and is made of porcelain or ceramic is a D6740.
Common clinical scenarios: A three-unit bridge replacing one missing tooth, with porcelain/ceramic crowns on the two flanking natural abutment teeth. A four-unit bridge replacing two adjacent missing teeth. An implant-plus-natural-tooth supported bridge where the natural abutment crown is porcelain/ceramic. Any fixed partial denture case where the restorative choice for the abutment teeth is all-ceramic or porcelain.
Do NOT use D6740 for: Standalone single-unit crowns on natural teeth (use D2740). Implant-supported crown retainers in a bridge (use implant prosthetic codes). PFM or metal retainer crowns (different D67xx codes apply). Provisional or temporary bridge retainers (use D6253 or D6793 as appropriate). Pontics in the bridge (use D6240 for porcelain fused to metal, D6245 for porcelain/ceramic pontic, etc.).
Click any code to see the difference.
Porcelain/ceramic crown on a natural tooth that is part of a bridge. It retains and supports one or more pontics. Part of a multi-unit fixed partial denture. Cannot stand alone.
Porcelain/ceramic crown on a natural tooth with no bridge function. It restores one tooth only. Standalone restoration. Not attached to or supporting any other prosthetic unit.
Billing tip: This is the most common coding error for bridges. A crown on tooth #28 that supports a bridge to replace #29 is D6740, not D2740. The same crown on #28 with no bridge is D2740. The function at time of placement determines the code. Billing D2740 for a bridge retainer is a coding error that triggers denials and potential audit exposure.
Bridge claims are often denied because the missing tooth that the bridge replaces was lost before the patient's coverage began. The retainer crown codes (D6740) and pontic codes are all part of the bridge claim. If the missing tooth clause applies to the pontic, the entire bridge may be excluded. Check the missing tooth clause for the edentulous site before presenting bridge treatment as a covered service. For more detail, see our guide on the missing tooth clause.
If the abutment tooth had a crown within the plan's frequency window (often 5 to 7 years), the D6740 claim for that tooth may be denied. The crown on the abutment is still subject to frequency limits even when it is part of a bridge. Document the clinical necessity for replacement if applicable.
Using D2740 for bridge retainer crowns is a common and detectable coding error. Payers can see the pontic code on the same claim and recognize the mismatch. The claim may be denied or flagged. Always use D6740 for porcelain/ceramic crowns in a bridge and D2740 only for standalone single-unit restorations.
Fixed partial dentures almost always require pre-authorization. Submit pre-auth for the complete bridge as a unit, including all retainer crowns and pontics. Include pre-operative radiographs and clinical notes explaining why the bridge is indicated over alternative treatment. Document the missing tooth, the abutment teeth condition, and why implants or removable prosthetics are not appropriate.
The claim must account for the full bridge: all retainer crowns and all pontics. Missing a unit from the claim or submitting retainer crowns without a pontic code will cause the claim to be suspended or denied. The radiograph must show the full edentulous span and both abutment teeth.
Periapical or panoramic x-ray showing the edentulous site and both abutment teeth. The x-ray must document the missing tooth space, the condition of the abutment teeth, and bone support. A single periapical that misses one abutment is not sufficient.
Document why a fixed partial denture is indicated. Note the condition of the abutment teeth (if they have existing restorations, decay, or fractures that would indicate crowns independently, document that). Explain why the missing tooth needs replacement.
D6740 is for porcelain or ceramic retainer crowns. The lab prescription and clinical notes must confirm the material. If the abutment crown is PFM or metal, a different code in the D67xx range applies.
Bill all components: D6740 for each porcelain/ceramic retainer crown, and the appropriate pontic code for each missing tooth unit. A claim with retainer codes but no pontic, or vice versa, will trigger a request for additional information or a denial.
Submit pre-auth for the full bridge, not individual components. Include all x-rays and clinical notes. Document the pre-auth number in the patient record. Most payers require prior approval for fixed partial dentures before proceeding with treatment.
Bridge claims getting denied? We handle the coding, documentation, and pre-auth issues that cause it.
Learn about our billing servicesD6740 is the CDT code for a retainer crown made of porcelain or ceramic that functions as an abutment in a fixed partial denture (bridge). The crown anchors the bridge on a natural tooth and supports the pontic replacing a missing tooth.
D2740 is a standalone single-unit crown on a natural tooth. D6740 is the same material but the crown is part of a bridge, retaining and supporting a pontic. The function of the crown at the time of placement determines which code applies.
D6740 is billed when the crown is functioning as a bridge retainer. If a crown on tooth #28 also supports a pontic replacing tooth #29, the crown is D6740. If it is a standalone crown with no bridge function, it is D2740.
Common reasons: missing tooth clause on the pontic site, frequency limitation on the abutment tooth, billing D2740 instead of D6740 for bridge retainers, missing pre-authorization, and incomplete bridge code set on the claim (missing pontic codes).
Most plans require pre-authorization for fixed partial dentures. Submit pre-auth for the complete bridge as a unit with x-rays and clinical notes. Do not submit individual components for pre-auth separately.
No. D6740 is for natural tooth bridge retainer crowns only. If the bridge is supported by implants, implant prosthetic codes apply. D6740 is restricted to crowns on natural tooth abutments within a fixed partial denture.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.