Ah, dental implants—the crown jewel of modern dentistry. Patients love them, dentists love placing them, and insurance companies love… denying them.

If you've ever tried to bill an implant case and felt like you were filling out tax forms for an alien planet, welcome. You’re not alone. Implant billing is where dreams of full-mouth rehab go to die—unless you know the codes, the rules, and a little magic (or sarcasm).

Let’s dive into how to bill single implants and full arch cases properly, what codes to use, and how to train your team to bill like seasoned pros (without actually needing therapy afterward).

First, A Word About Implant Coverage (Or Lack Thereof)

Here’s the fun part: most dental insurance plans don’t cover implants.
They’ll cover a $400 flipper that looks like it came from a Cracker Jack box, but not a functional, life-changing implant. Why? Because logic is optional in insurance underwriting.

So always verify implant benefits. Many policies will exclude implants entirely but may cover associated parts (like abutments and crowns). Some even surprise you with partial coverage. Just don’t hold your breath.

The Single Implant Puzzle: How to Bill It Right

Let’s say you placed an implant and are restoring it. Here’s the usual cast of characters (aka CDT codes) involved:

Surgical Placement Phase:

• D6010 – Surgical placement of implant body, endosteal
  The bread and butter of implant placement.

• D6104 – Bone graft at time of implant placement
  If you needed to bulk up the site. Think of it as the protein shake before the big lift.

• D7953 – Bone graft for ridge preservation (if done at a separate visit)

• D6011 – Second stage implant surgery (e.g., uncovering the implant)
  AKA the “Peekaboo, I see you” code.

Restorative Phase:

• D6056 – Prefabricated abutment – includes placement
  Used when you’re using a stock abutment.

• D6057 – Custom abutment – includes placement
  When your lab makes you a unique little snowflake of an abutment.

• D6058 – Implant-supported porcelain/ceramic crown
  When you’re restoring with zirconia, e.max, or other ceramics.

• D6059 – Implant-supported PFM crown
  You know, for those still rocking the metal under that bling.

Other Supporting Codes:

• D6190 – Radiographic interpretation for implant placement
  Great when you're using CBCT to map out implant positions.

• D6199 – Unspecified implant procedure, by report
  Use with caution. Attach narratives, dreams, prayers, and your favorite scripture.

Now… The Full Arch Case. Deep breath.

You’re doing the big guns now—a full arch screw-retained hybrid denture over implants. Also known as “All-on-X,” “Teeth in a Day,” or “How do we bill this again?”

Surgical Codes:

• D6010 – Surgical implant placement, each
  Use once per implant. So if you placed six implants for a full arch, bill D6010 x 6.

• D7951/D7953 – Bone grafts, depending on location/timing.

• D6104 – Bone graft at time of implant placement, if you do that simultaneously.

• D6190 – Radiographic evaluation for implant placement
  Bill for your planning and CBCT interpretation.

Restorative Codes for Screw-Retained Prosthesis:

• D6056 or D6057 – Abutments (prefab or custom). Use one per implant.

• D6110 – Implant-supported complete denture – maxillary

• D6111 – Implant-supported complete denture – mandibular
  These are for the actual prosthesis delivered, not a temp.

• D6112 – Implant/abutment supported removable denture – maxillary

• D6113 – Implant/abutment supported removable denture – mandibular
  Use 6112/6113 when your full arch is removable and retained by locator-style attachments.

• D6114/D6115 – Fixed hybrid prostheses (All-on-4 style)
  – D6114: Maxillary
  – D6115: Mandibular
  This is what you use for those sexy, screw-retained full arch prostheses.

Tips for Billing Full Arch Cases:

1. Don’t bundle codes. Bill each implant, each abutment, and the final prosthesis separately.

2. Narratives are your friend. Especially when submitting for multiple implants and hybrid prostheses.

3. Pre-authorize EVERYTHING. Do not pass go. Do not place implants until insurance says “yes”—or more likely, “we won’t cover that but sure, go ahead.”

Training Protocol for Newbies:

Let’s face it: implant billing is not for the faint of heart—or the undertrained. Set your team up for success with these training steps:

Step 1: Code Familiarity Bootcamp

• Use flashcards. No joke.

• Review each code and when to use it.

• Include real case studies from your office.

Step 2: Benefits Verification 101

• Learn how to read policy breakdowns.

• Train your team to ask the right questions:

  • “Is the implant body covered?”

  • “What about abutments and crowns?”

  • “Are there any preauthorization requirements?”

Step 3: Narratives That Don’t Suck

• Practice writing narratives that are concise but persuasive.

• Include tooth numbers, bone condition, patient’s medical/dental necessity, etc.

• Sample:
  “Tooth #30 extracted due to fracture and is non-restorable. Adequate bone present for implant placement. Patient is 45 years old with good health and strong masticatory function. Implant is the best long-term solution.”

Step 4: Mock Claim Submission Drills

• Run a few practice cases.

• Create fake EOBs to troubleshoot common denials.

• Role-play calling insurance companies (and practice holding your scream inside).

Final Word (and a Sarcastic Hug for Insurance)

If insurance companies made implant billing any more difficult, they’d start asking for blood types and Netflix passwords. But here’s the good news:

Implants are a high-value service.
Patients WANT them.
With the right codes, training, and systems, you can actually get paid for them.

You don’t have to go it alone. Partner with experts like VeritasDentalResources.com to get the insurance training and PPO negotiation support your team needs. Because the only thing worse than placing a perfect implant… is never getting paid for it.

Now go forth and bill confidently. May your claims be clean, your narratives persuasive, and your abutments never lost in shipping.

Benjamin Tuinei

Founder - Veritas Dental Resources, LLC
Phone: 888-808-4513

Services:
PPO Fee Negotiators | PPO Fee Negotiating | Insurance Fee Negotiating
Insurance Credentialing | Insurance Verifications

Websites:
www.VeritasDentalResources.com | www.VerusDental.com