D9120 - Bridge Sectioning
Fixed partial denture sectioning.
- Procedure Code
- D9120
- Category
- Adjunctive
Insurance Verification Benchmarks & Billing Guidelines
Benchmark Policy Source: Delta Dental 2026
- Frequency Limitation
- Subject to group/individual contract frequency limitations (none)
Required Claim Attachments & Pre-Submission Checklist
- Standard ADA claim form with CDT procedure code and date of service
Bill When (Allowable Clinical Criteria)
- This procedure is only a benefit if a portion of a fixed prosthesis is to remain intact and serviceable following remain intact and serviceable following sectioning and extraction or other treatment. Includes all recontouring and polishing of retained portions. sectioning and extraction or other treatment.
Restrictions & Clinical Exclusions
- If D9120 is part of the process of removing and replacing a fixed prosthesis, it is considered integral to the fabrication of the new fixed prosthesis and the fees are not billable to the patient.
- Fees for polishing and recontouring of the retained portion of the prosthesis are not billable to the patient.
- Infection control is included in the fee for the dental services provided. Separate fees are not billable to the patient.
- General anesthesia and intravenous sedation are limited to one hour. Any additional minutes are not billable to the patient unless clinical documentation supports more than an hour was necessary. For example, special health care needs patients may require additional units of anesthesia and may be a benefit according to group/individual contract.
- All services and treatment provided remotely via tele-health modalities, be they synchronous or asynchronous, must be performed by a licensed dentist or their supervised staff, acting within the scope of applicable law. Services and treatment delivered virtually are only a benefit when the elements included in the descriptor of the CDT procedure code are completed and only when they meet generally accepted clinical guidelines.
- Benefits for restorations for altering occlusion, adjusting vertical dimension, replacing tooth structure lost by attrition, erosion, abrasion, abfraction, corrosion, TMD, or for periodontal, orthodontic, or other splinting are denied, unless covered by group contract.
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 |
|---|