CORE BUILDUP, INCLUDING ANY PINS WHEN REQUIRED
Refers to building up of coronal structure when there is insufficient retention for a separate extracoronal restorative procedure. A core buildup is not a filler to eliminate any undercut, box form, or concave irregularity in a preparation.
© 2023 American Dental Association
- It is misleading to report a core buildup (D2950) when the affected tooth after preparation would be retentive enough to support a crown without the core buildup. Core buildups placed to improve “box-form,” eliminate “concave irregularity” or “undercuts” and “fillers” should not be submitted for reimbursement. A core buildup must be necessary for crown retention to be considered a core buildup. The core buildup should rebuild the internal anatomy of the tooth structure as prepared for a crown.
- It is misleading to report a one-piece Cerec® or E4D® fabricated crown, as a crown (D2740) and a separate core buildup. A core buildup is always a separate component apart and separate from the CAD/CAM crown. Cerec 3D® or E4D® users may report unspecified restorative procedure, by report (D2999) for a one-piece “endo-crown.” Do not expect an alternate reimbursement for both a core buildup and crown. Expect only the alternate benefit of a crown.
- It is misleading to report a core buildup as a direct amalgam/composite restoration. A restoration is built to occlusion, with normal anatomy, proximal contacts, and is in full function. A filling restores the tooth to full form and function. Amalgams and composites reported shortly before the crown preparation may be deducted from the subsequent crown reimbursement amount. The restoration is a “take back” procedure if placed just prior to placing a crown. The “take back” provision may vary according to the time period between the restorative procedure and the subsequent crown.
- It is misleading to report a core buildup in conjunction with an inlay or onlay. A core buildup is only justified when placed in a fully prepared tooth and built up to allow for the retention of the extracoronal restorative procedure.
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