What D5520 means

D5520 covers the replacement of missing or broken teeth on a complete denture, per tooth. "D" is dental, "55" is the denture repair group, and "20" is this tooth-replacement code. The teeth in a denture are individual artificial teeth set into the acrylic base. Over time, one can chip, fracture, or pop out — and rather than replace the entire denture, the dentist or lab fits a new tooth into the existing base.

It's reported per tooth, so replacing two broken teeth is two units of D5520. This differs from repairing the base itself (D5510/D5511) — here it's the teeth that need fixing, not the pink acrylic. Matching a replacement tooth to the shade and shape of the others is part of doing it well.

It's a cost-effective repair that extends the life of a denture. However, like base breaks, repeatedly losing teeth can indicate the denture is aging or the bond between teeth and base is failing, which may eventually favor a new denture. A broken tooth can also sometimes result from a bite or fit issue worth checking.

When it's typically used

D5520 is reported when one or more artificial teeth on a complete denture are chipped, broken, or lost and are replaced individually within the existing denture base, rather than remaking the whole denture. It's billed per tooth.

How much does D5520 cost?

Replacing a denture tooth is a low-cost repair, often roughly 100 to 250 USD for the first tooth depending on region, with additional teeth adding a smaller amount each. It's far cheaper than a new denture.

Is D5520 covered by insurance?

Often covered under prosthetic benefits, frequently around 50 to 80 percent, sometimes with frequency limits. As with other repairs, frequent tooth replacements on the same denture may lead the insurer or dentist to consider a replacement.

Why do denture teeth break or fall out?

Losing or breaking a tooth on a denture is a common repair need, and there are a few typical reasons behind it.

Breaks often come from biting something hard or from dropping the denture, which can fracture a tooth just as it can crack the base. Teeth falling out usually points to the bond between the tooth and the acrylic base weakening over time — denture teeth are anchored into the base, and years of chewing forces, plus exposure to heat and moisture, can degrade that bond. Heavy grinding or an uneven bite that overloads certain teeth can also contribute, as can the general aging of the denture materials.

Knowing the cause helps prevent repeats. A one-time break from a hard bite or drop is just bad luck. But if teeth keep coming loose, it may signal that the denture is aging or that the bite needs adjusting so forces are distributed evenly. The dentist can check whether there's an underlying issue beyond the individual tooth.

Replacing a tooth vs replacing the whole denture

When a denture tooth breaks, the practical question is whether to fix just that tooth or consider a new denture, and the answer depends on the denture's overall condition.

Replacing an individual tooth (D5520) is the economical choice when the rest of the denture is in good shape — the base is sound, the fit is fine, and the other teeth aren't worn out. It quickly restores function and appearance for a fraction of a new denture's cost. Replacement of the whole denture makes more sense when the teeth are generally worn down, the denture is old, the fit has deteriorated, or teeth keep breaking, which signals the denture is near the end of its useful life.

It's the same logic as repairing versus replacing throughout dentistry: fix the small problem if the whole is sound, replace if the whole is failing. A single broken tooth on an otherwise good denture is clearly worth repairing; a broken tooth on a worn, ill-fitting, frequently-repaired denture may be the nudge toward replacement.

What to do if a denture tooth breaks

If a tooth chips off or falls out of your denture, a few sensible steps protect both the denture and your ability to get a good repair.

First, save the broken tooth or fragment if you can find it — sometimes it can be reused, and at minimum it helps the dentist match the replacement. Don't try to glue it back with household adhesive, which can damage the denture and interfere with a proper repair. You can usually still wear the denture in the meantime if it's comfortable and the broken tooth isn't a front one affecting appearance or a sharp edge causing irritation, but call your dentist to arrange a repair.

Many denture tooth replacements can be done quickly, sometimes same-day, especially in offices with an in-house lab. Bringing the broken piece and the denture lets the dentist restore it efficiently. As with all denture issues, prompt attention prevents a small problem (one tooth) from turning into discomfort, difficulty eating, or further damage.

Will the replacement tooth match the others?

A natural concern when replacing a single denture tooth is whether it will blend in with the surrounding teeth — and with good technique, it generally does.

Denture teeth come in standardized shades and molds, so the dentist or lab selects a replacement that matches the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth as closely as possible. On a denture that's a few years old, the existing teeth may have picked up some staining or wear, so a brand-new tooth can occasionally look slightly different at first, though this usually isn't noticeable in everyday function, especially for back teeth.

For a front tooth where appearance matters most, matching is done carefully, and a good lab can get a very close result. If an exact match is difficult on an older, worn denture, that's sometimes another factor in the repair-versus-replace decision. But for most cases, a replacement tooth integrates well and restores both the look and the function of the denture without anyone noticing the repair.

Frequently asked questions

What is the D5520 dental code?

It's the replacement of missing or broken teeth on a complete denture, reported per tooth — fitting a new artificial tooth into the existing denture base.

How is D5520 different from a base repair?

D5520 replaces the artificial teeth in the denture. A base repair (D5510/D5511) fixes the pink acrylic base. They address different parts of the denture.

Why do denture teeth break or fall out?

From biting hard items or dropping the denture, or because the bond between tooth and base weakens with age. Grinding or an uneven bite can also contribute.

How much does it cost to replace a denture tooth?

Often around 100 to 250 USD for the first tooth, with additional teeth adding less each. It's far cheaper than a new denture.

Will the new tooth match my other denture teeth?

Usually yes — denture teeth come in standard shades and shapes, and the dentist matches the replacement. A brand-new tooth may look slightly different on an old, stained denture.

Does insurance cover D5520?

Often around 50 to 80 percent under prosthetic benefits, sometimes with frequency limits. Frequent replacements may prompt consideration of a new 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.