What is the D5120 dental code?

It's a complete mandibular (lower) denture — a full removable replacement for all the lower teeth, for a patient who has lost their entire lower arch.

What's the difference between D5120 and D5110?

D5120 is the complete lower denture; D5110 is the complete upper denture. They're coded separately, so replacing both arches uses both codes.

Why are lower dentures harder to keep in place?

There's no palate for suction and the tongue and muscles are more active, so lower dentures can be less stable — which is why some patients add implants to anchor them.

How much does a D5120 lower denture cost?

Often around 1,300 to 2,700 USD depending on location, materials, and grade. Implant-retained lower dentures cost more and use additional codes.

Can a lower denture be attached to implants?

Yes. Implant-retained or implant-supported overdentures add stability, but they involve implants and additional codes beyond a conventional D5120 denture.

D5120 Dental Code: Complete Lower Denture Cost

Code Summary

D5120 is the CDT code for a complete mandibular (lower) denture — a full removable replacement for all the lower teeth. It's the standard code for a conventional full lower denture for someone who has lost all their lower teeth.

What D5120 means

D5120 covers a complete denture for the mandibular (lower) arch. "D" is dental, "51" is the complete dentures group, and "20" is the lower denture. It replaces all of the lower teeth with a full removable prosthesis that rests on the lower gum ridge.

Lower complete dentures are made for patients with no remaining lower teeth. They can be more challenging to keep stable than uppers, because there's no palate for suction and the tongue and muscles are more active — which is one reason some patients consider implant-retained options to help anchor a lower denture.

Its counterpart is D5110, the complete upper denture. The two arches are coded separately. As with uppers, the process spans several appointments for impressions, bite registration, try-in, and delivery, followed by adjustments as the fit settles in.

When it's typically used

D5120 is reported when a complete removable lower denture is made for a patient who has lost all their lower teeth, replacing the full mandibular arch. It excludes the upper denture, which is coded separately.

How much does D5120 cost?

A complete lower denture is a substantial fee, often roughly 1,300 to 2,700 USD depending on region, materials, and denture grade. Implant-retained lower dentures, which add stability, cost considerably more and use additional codes.

Is D5120 covered by insurance?

Covered like upper dentures under major or prosthetic benefits, often around half up to the annual maximum, sometimes after a waiting period, with replacement commonly limited to once every several years. Relines and repairs may have separate rules.

Frequently asked questions

What is the D5120 dental code?: It's a complete mandibular (lower) denture — a full removable replacement for all the lower teeth, for a patient who has lost their entire lower arch.
What's the difference between D5120 and D5110?: D5120 is the complete lower denture; D5110 is the complete upper denture. They're coded separately, so replacing both arches uses both codes.
Why are lower dentures harder to keep in place?: There's no palate for suction and the tongue and muscles are more active, so lower dentures can be less stable — which is why some patients add implants to anchor them.
How much does a D5120 lower denture cost?: Often around 1,300 to 2,700 USD depending on location, materials, and grade. Implant-retained lower dentures cost more and use additional codes.
Does insurance cover D5120?: Many plans cover it around half up to the annual maximum, sometimes after a waiting period, with replacement often limited to once every several years.
Can a lower denture be attached to implants?: Yes. Implant-retained or implant-supported overdentures add stability, but they involve implants and additional codes beyond a conventional D5120 denture.

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.