How do we code a cantilever bridge?

Answer

On a cantilever bridge, only one side of the pontic is attached to a retainer crown. This may be preferred when an implant is not an option, and the dentist wants to avoid removing tooth structure on an adjacent tooth. Or, it may be preferred because it is easier to clean than a conventional bridge. To report a cantilever bridge simply use the conventional bridge retainer and pontic codes, note when the missing tooth was extracted, write “cantilever” in the remarks section of the claim form, send a radiograph of the entire arch, and hope there are no waiting periods or other exclusions.