D3330 - RCT (Molar)
Endodontic therapy, molar tooth.
- Procedure Code
- D3330
- Category
- Endodontics
Insurance Verification Benchmarks & Billing Guidelines
Benchmark Policy Source: Delta Dental 2026
- Frequency Limitation
- 1 per tooth per lifetime (retreatment eligible after 24 months) (per_tooth_lifetime)
Required Claim Attachments & Pre-Submission Checklist
- Diagnostic pre-operative radiograph showing affected tooth/area
Bill When (Allowable Clinical Criteria)
- Benefit determination for incomplete endodontic therapy is subject to individual consideration if a report indicates the patient failed to complete treatment.
Restrictions & Clinical Exclusions
- Benefits for techniques, e.g. ultrasonic cleaning, or instrumentation are considered to be part of the procedure and not billable to the patient.
- The fee for a root canal includes treatment, working and final fill radiographic images, and temporary restorations. Fees for radiographic images and temporary restorations in the course of endodontic treatment are not billable to the patient.
- When radiograph indicates obturation of an endodontically treated tooth has been performed without the use of a solid core material, fees for the endodontic therapy and/or restoration of the tooth are not billable to the patient.
- A diagnostic film taken to ascertain the presence of pathology is a separate benefit. The initial opening into the canal and routine postoperative visits are considered part of and included in the fee for completed endodontic treatment. Separate fees are not billable to the patient.
- Incompletely filled root canals are not a benefit. Fees for the endodontic therapy are not billable to the patient.
- Root canal therapy is not a benefit in conjunction with overdentures(D5863-D5866) and benefits are denied.
Common Claim Denial Codes & Overturn Strategies
| Denial Code | Denial Reason | Appeal & Overturn Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| CO-119 | Benefit maximum or frequency limitation exceeded for procedure | Submit clinical narrative detailing extraordinary circumstances, active recurrent pathology, or exception criteria. |
ICD-10 Justification & Crosswalk Mappings
| ICD-10 Code | Diagnosis Name | Category | Primary Justification | Claim Type | Clinical Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K04.0 | Pulpitis | Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Yes (Primary) | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Pulpitis |
| K02.53 | Dental caries on pit and fissure surface penetrating into pulp | Dental caries | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Dental caries on pit and fissure surface penetrating into pulp |
| K02.63 | Dental caries on smooth surface penetrating into pulp | Dental caries | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Dental caries on smooth surface penetrating into pulp |
| K03.81 | Cracked tooth | Other diseases of hard tissues of teeth | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Cracked tooth |
| K03.89 | Other specified diseases of hard tissues of teeth | Other diseases of hard tissues of teeth | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Other specified diseases of hard tissues of teeth |
| K04.1 | Necrosis of the pulp | Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Necrosis of the pulp |
| K04.5 | Chronic apical periodontitis | Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Chronic apical periodontitis |
| K04.6 | Periapical abscess with sinus | Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Periapical abscess with sinus |
| K04.7 | Periapical abscess without sinus | Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Periapical abscess without sinus |
| K04.8 | Radicular cyst | Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Radicular cyst |
| K04.90 | Unspecified diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Unspecified diseases of pulp and periapical tissues |
| K04.99 | Other diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Other diseases of pulp and periapical tissues |
| K05.5 | Other periodontal diseases | Gingivitis and periodontal diseases | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Other periodontal diseases |
| K08.8 | Other specified disorders of teeth and supporting structures | Other disorders of teeth and supporting structures | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Other specified disorders of teeth and supporting structures |
| K08.81 | Primary occlusal trauma | Other disorders of teeth and supporting structures | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Primary occlusal trauma |
| K08.82 | Secondary occlusal trauma | Other disorders of teeth and supporting structures | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Secondary occlusal trauma |
| K08.89 | Other specified disorders of teeth and supporting structures | Other disorders of teeth and supporting structures | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Other specified disorders of teeth and supporting structures |
| S02.5XXA | Fracture of tooth (traumatic), initial encounter for closed fracture | Fracture of skull and facial bones | Secondary | BOTH | endodontic therapy, molar tooth (excluding final restoration) indicated for Fracture of tooth (traumatic), initial encounter for closed fracture |