What is the D0240 dental code?

It's an intraoral occlusal X-ray — a larger film the patient bites on, capturing a broad view of part of the upper or lower arch.

When is an occlusal X-ray used?

Often for children, or to locate unerupted or extra teeth, salivary stones, cysts, or fractures, and to view the palate — situations where a wide view helps.

How is D0240 different from a periapical or bitewing?

An occlusal film shows a broader, flat view of a whole arch section. Periapicals show individual teeth root-to-crown, and bitewings show the crowns of back teeth.

How much does a D0240 occlusal X-ray cost?

Often around 20 to 50 USD depending on location and office, similar to other single intraoral films.

Why is the occlusal film common for kids?

A child may not tolerate several small films, and a single occlusal film can capture the needed broad view more comfortably.

D0240 Dental Code: Occlusal X-Ray Explained

Code Summary

D0240 is the CDT code for an intraoral occlusal X-ray — a larger film placed on the biting surface to capture a broad view of the upper or lower arch. It's often used for children or to locate things a standard small film can't show.

What D0240 means

D0240 covers an intraoral occlusal radiographic image. "D" is dental, "02" is the radiographs subfamily, and "40" is the occlusal film. The patient bites down on a larger-than-usual film (or sensor), which captures a wide, flat view of a section of the upper or lower jaw and the teeth within it.

Because it shows a broader area than a periapical or bitewing, it's useful for specific tasks: seeing the position of unerupted or extra teeth in children, locating salivary stones, evaluating the extent of a cyst or a jaw fracture, and viewing the palate. It's especially common in pediatric dentistry, where a child may not tolerate several small films.

It's a single, distinct radiograph code, separate from periapicals, bitewings, panoramic, and full-mouth series. The right imaging code reflects which kind of film was actually taken and why.

When it's typically used

D0240 is reported when an occlusal film is taken for a broad view of part of the upper or lower arch — often in children, or to locate unerupted teeth, salivary stones, cysts, fractures, or palate findings.

How much does D0240 cost?

An occlusal X-ray is a low-cost imaging service, often roughly 20 to 50 USD depending on region and office, similar to other single intraoral films.

Is D0240 covered by insurance?

Usually covered under diagnostic imaging benefits, subject to the plan's overall limits on radiographs per visit or per year. As with other films, combinations of images may be subject to bundling rules.

Frequently asked questions

What is the D0240 dental code?: It's an intraoral occlusal X-ray — a larger film the patient bites on, capturing a broad view of part of the upper or lower arch.
When is an occlusal X-ray used?: Often for children, or to locate unerupted or extra teeth, salivary stones, cysts, or fractures, and to view the palate — situations where a wide view helps.
How is D0240 different from a periapical or bitewing?: An occlusal film shows a broader, flat view of a whole arch section. Periapicals show individual teeth root-to-crown, and bitewings show the crowns of back teeth.
How much does a D0240 occlusal X-ray cost?: Often around 20 to 50 USD depending on location and office, similar to other single intraoral films.
Why is the occlusal film common for kids?: A child may not tolerate several small films, and a single occlusal film can capture the needed broad view more comfortably.
Is D0240 covered by insurance?: Usually under diagnostic imaging benefits, subject to the plan's limits on the number of radiographs per visit or year.

This page is an independent, plain-language explanation for general information only. It is not billing, coding, or clinical advice. For the official CDT descriptor and current-year wording, refer to the American Dental Association.