Summary & Overview
CDT D2392: Post 2 Surface Resin-Based Composite
CDT code D2392 represents a posterior dental restoration using a resin‑based composite placed on two surfaces of a tooth. This restorative procedure is commonly performed in dental offices and is a routine element of oral health care, addressing caries, fractures, and other structural tooth damage. Nationally, accurate coding for multi‑surface composite restorations affects claims processing, patient cost‑sharing, and reporting of dental service utilization.
Major commercial payers referenced include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, and UnitedHealthcare. Coverage policies and coding guidance from these payers influence reimbursement pathways and prior authorization practices for restorative dental services.
Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical indication and procedural scope of D2392, comparisons to closely related CDT codes for single and multi‑surface composite restorations, and a summary of payer coverage considerations and common claim modifiers. The publication also outlines typical sites of service and clinical contexts in which the code is used. If specific fee schedules or payer policy details are sought, note that payer policies vary and plan‑level information is required for precise reimbursement figures.
Billing Code Overview
CDT code D2392 describes a post 2 surface resin‑based composite, a dental restorative service used to repair or restore posterior teeth with two surfaces affected by decay or damage. The procedure involves placement of a tooth‑colored resin composite material to rebuild the tooth structure and restore function and esthetics.
Service Type: Dental restorative service
Typical Site of Service: Dental Office (POS 11)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old patient presents to a dental office with a symptomatic posterior tooth diagnosed with dental caries and a failing or previously placed post and core. After clinical and radiographic evaluation, the dentist determines the tooth requires replacement of an existing post using a resin-based composite material that restores two surfaces. The patient is seated in the dental operatory (POS 11). Local anesthesia is administered as needed, the existing restoration and post are removed, the post space is prepared, and a resin‑based composite post reconstruction for two tooth surfaces is placed and contoured. Postoperative instructions are given and appropriate follow-up is scheduled. The workflow involves clinical assessment, radiographic review, removal of previous materials, isolation, placement of the resin‑based composite post for two surfaces (CDT code D2392), occlusal adjustment, and documentation of findings and procedure performed.
Coding Specifications
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Common modifiers and use cases:
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GC- Service performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician. Use when a qualified resident provided portions of the service with the teaching dentist directing care according to institutional rules. -
25- Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same dentist on the same day of the procedure. Use when a distinct, documented E/M visit occurs in addition to the procedure represented by CDT codeD2392. -
Associated provider taxonomies and specialties:
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1223G0001X- General Practice Dentist (represents general dentistry providing routine and restorative dental care). -
1223D0001X- Dentist (general designation for dentists licensed to provide dental services). -
1223E0200X- Endodontics Dentist (specialty focused on treatment of dental pulp and periapical tissues; may be involved when posts are placed after endodontic therapy).
Related Diagnoses
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K02.9- Dental caries, unspecified- Relevance: Dental caries can compromise tooth structure and necessitate post placement and restorative reconstruction such as the procedure coded by
D2392.
- Relevance: Dental caries can compromise tooth structure and necessitate post placement and restorative reconstruction such as the procedure coded by
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K02.3- Arrested dental caries- Relevance: Arrested caries may be present on the tooth surface requiring assessment; history of caries can be related to restorative needs and post replacement.
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K03.81- Cracked tooth- Relevance: A cracked tooth can weaken tooth structure and lead to post reconstruction to restore form and function, supporting use of
D2392when resin‑based post reconstruction of two surfaces is appropriate.
- Relevance: A cracked tooth can weaken tooth structure and lead to post reconstruction to restore form and function, supporting use of
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K08.89- Other specified disorders of teeth and supporting structures- Relevance: This category can include non‑carious structural problems that necessitate restorative post procedures such as
D2392.
- Relevance: This category can include non‑carious structural problems that necessitate restorative post procedures such as
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K04.7- Periapical abscess without sinus- Relevance: A tooth treated for periapical pathology may require a post and core restoration after endodontic therapy;
D2392may be performed as part of the restorative sequence following resolution or treatment of the abscess.
- Relevance: A tooth treated for periapical pathology may require a post and core restoration after endodontic therapy;
Related Codes
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D2391- Post 1 surface resin‑based composite- Clinical relation: Used when a post reconstruction using resin‑based composite involves a single surface rather than two. In the same clinical workflow,
D2391is an alternative when less tooth structure requires restoration.
- Clinical relation: Used when a post reconstruction using resin‑based composite involves a single surface rather than two. In the same clinical workflow,
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D2394- Post ≥4 surface resin‑based composite- Clinical relation: Represents a more extensive post reconstruction involving four or more surfaces. It may be used when the clinical defect and restoration complexity exceed the scope of
D2392.D2394is an alternative for larger restorations and may be selected instead ofD2392when documentation supports greater surface involvement.
- Clinical relation: Represents a more extensive post reconstruction involving four or more surfaces. It may be used when the clinical defect and restoration complexity exceed the scope of
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
National commercial mean rates vary by payer, with UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield above the BUCA commercial average and Cigna Health and Aetna below it. Medicare benchmarks are not provided in the input, while the BUCA commercial average mean rate ($111.47) sits between the lower commercial means (Cigna Health $83.72, Aetna $89.62) and the higher commercial means (Blue Cross Blue Shield $141.42, UnitedHealthcare $154.65). The table and chart below present the full breakdown.
Rate dispersion, measured as the difference between the 75th and 25th percentiles, is widest for Blue Cross Blue Shield (difference $53.00) and UnitedHealthcare (difference $35.55), indicating broader variation in allowed rates. Dispersion is tightest for Cigna Health (difference $15.00) and Aetna (difference $17.00). The table and chart below present the full breakdown.
Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.