What D5622 means

D5622 covers repairing a cast partial framework, maxillary. "D" is dental, "56" is this partial denture repair area, and "22" is this maxillary cast framework repair. A 'cast partial' denture has a cast metal framework — the precision-cast metal skeleton (typically cobalt-chromium) that spans the arch and carries the clasps, rests, and connectors. 'Repair... cast partial framework' means fixing that metal framework when it's broken (fractured, cracked, or distorted). 'Maxillary' specifies the upper arch. So D5622 is repairing the broken metal framework of an upper cast partial denture.

So it's fixing a broken (fractured/distorted) cast metal framework of an upper partial denture — restoring its integrity.

A cast partial denture's framework is its metal backbone — strong and durable, but it can break or distort under certain conditions: metal fatigue over years of use, a fracture from being dropped, distortion/bending (e.g., from being flexed or mishandled), or breakage at a stressed point (like a connector or where a clasp meets the framework). When the framework breaks or distorts, the partial may no longer fit, the clasps may not engage properly, or the partial may be unusable — so it needs repair. D5622 covers repairing that broken maxillary framework: the metal is repaired (e.g., soldered/welded/re-joined and reinforced) — usually in a dental laboratory (the partial is sent to the lab, which performs the metal repair) — to restore a sound, properly-fitting framework. Importantly, this code is specifically for the cast metal framework — distinct from the resin base (repaired under D5612 maxillary / D5611 mandibular) and from the clasps (D5630) or teeth (D5640). The dentist must identify what broke: the metal framework → D5622 (upper) / D5621 (lower); the resin base → D5612 / D5611. These arch-specific framework codes replaced an older single code (D5620). D5622 is specifically the upper. It's provided by a dentist (typically with lab work). Coverage depends on the plan (repairs often covered, with frequency rules). This code is in the removable prosthodontics area. Documentation supports the claim.

When it's typically used

D5622 is reported for repairing a broken cast partial framework on a maxillary (upper) partial denture — fixing the fractured, cracked, or distorted cast metal framework (the metal skeleton) to restore the partial's fit and function. It's used when the metal framework of an upper cast partial has broken (vs the resin base, which is D5612, or the clasps/teeth). The arch-specific code is for the upper (the lower is D5621).

How much does D5622 cost?

Repairing a cast metal framework on an upper partial's cost reflects the metal repair (often requiring lab work — soldering/welding/re-joining the framework) — typically more than a simple resin repair, but far less than a new partial. Sample fee-schedule values are in the low-hundreds range (varying by region and lab). Repairs are often covered by plans. Verify your specific coverage.

Is D5622 covered by insurance?

Coverage for a framework repair depends on the plan — repairs are commonly covered (with their own frequency rules). Documentation of the break and the repair (and that it's the cast framework, not the resin base or clasps/teeth) supports the claim — correct code selection matters (D5622 framework vs D5612 resin base). A narrative and photos help. Verifying coverage helps.

Framework repair vs resin base repair

This fixes the metal skeleton, not the acrylic, and understanding this clarifies the code.

Understanding the framework-vs-base distinction clarifies D5622. A cast partial denture has two main structural parts that can break, with different repair codes: the cast metal framework — the precision-cast metal skeleton (cobalt-chromium) that spans the arch and carries the clasps, rests, and major/minor connectors — the rigid backbone; repaired (when broken) under D5622 (maxillary) / D5621 (mandibular); and the resin base portions — the acrylic parts attached to the framework that rest on the edentulous ridges and hold the teeth; repaired under D5612 (maxillary) / D5611 (mandibular).

So D5622 specifically addresses a broken cast METAL framework — not the acrylic base. The distinction matters because the materials and repairs differ: a metal framework repair involves metalwork (soldering, welding, or laser-joining the metal, usually in a lab), while a resin base repair involves bonding acrylic. Correctly identifying which part broke (metal framework vs resin base) determines the right code (D5622 vs D5612) — important for accurate billing and coverage. D5622 is the upper framework repair. So D5622 repairs the metal framework, not the resin base. Understanding this helps patients see that a cast partial denture has two main structural parts that can break with different repair codes — the cast metal framework (the precision-cast metal skeleton/cobalt-chromium spanning the arch and carrying the clasps, rests, and major/minor connectors, the rigid backbone, repaired when broken under D5622 maxillary/D5621 mandibular) and the resin base portions (the acrylic parts attached to the framework that rest on the edentulous ridges and hold the teeth, repaired under D5612 maxillary/D5611 mandibular) — so D5622 specifically addressing a broken cast METAL framework (not the acrylic base), the distinction mattering because the materials and repairs differ (a metal framework repair involving metalwork/soldering, welding, or laser-joining the metal usually in a lab, while a resin base repair involves bonding acrylic), correctly identifying which part broke (metal framework vs resin base) determining the right code (D5622 vs D5612), important for accurate billing and coverage.

How a metal framework breaks and is repaired

Metalwork restores the broken framework, and understanding this clarifies the procedure.

Understanding the break and repair clarifies D5622. A cast metal framework, though strong, can break or distort: metal fatigue — repeated flexing/stress over years can cause a metal fracture (especially at a thin or high-stress point, like a connector or clasp junction); a fracture from a drop — dropping the partial onto a hard surface can crack/break the metal; distortion — the framework can be bent/distorted (e.g., by improper handling or force), altering the fit and clasp engagement; and breakage at a weak point — where the design or wear has created a vulnerable spot.

Repairing it involves metalwork, usually in a dental laboratory: the partial is sent to the lab; the broken framework is repaired by re-joining the metal (soldering, welding, or laser-welding the fracture) and reinforcing it, or correcting a distortion — restoring the framework's proper form and strength; and the partial is finished and returned, fitting and functioning again. (Because it's metalwork, it typically requires lab fabrication time, so it's not usually a same-day chairside fix — turnaround is often a week or two.) The goal is a sound framework restored to proper fit/function, reusing the existing partial rather than making a new one. So the framework is repaired by metalwork in the lab. Understanding this helps patients see that a cast metal framework, though strong, can break or distort — metal fatigue (repeated flexing/stress over years causing a metal fracture, especially at a thin or high-stress point like a connector or clasp junction), a fracture from a drop (dropping the partial onto a hard surface cracking/breaking the metal), distortion (the framework bent/distorted, e.g., by improper handling or force, altering the fit and clasp engagement), and breakage at a weak point (where the design or wear has created a vulnerable spot) — repairing it involving metalwork, usually in a dental laboratory (the partial sent to the lab, the broken framework repaired by re-joining the metal/soldering, welding, or laser-welding the fracture and reinforcing it, or correcting a distortion, restoring the framework's proper form and strength, and the partial finished and returned, fitting and functioning again), and because it's metalwork typically requiring lab fabrication time (so not usually a same-day chairside fix, turnaround often a week or two), the goal being a sound framework restored to proper fit/function (reusing the existing partial rather than making a new one).

When repair works and when it doesn't

A serviceable partial is salvaged, and understanding this clarifies the indication.

Understanding the indication clarifies D5622. Repairing a cast framework is appropriate when the partial is otherwise serviceable and the framework break is repairable: the framework is repairable — the fracture/distortion can be soundly repaired (re-joined/corrected) to restore strength and fit — not so extensively damaged that a repair wouldn't hold; the rest of the partial is good — the teeth, resin base, and clasps are still in acceptable condition (or are also being addressed appropriately) — so it's worth saving the partial; and the fit is restorable — the repaired framework will fit and function properly.

In those cases, a repair (D5622) salvages the partial — restoring it at lower cost than a new partial. But repair isn't always the answer: if the framework is too extensively damaged (a repair wouldn't be reliable/durable), or the partial is otherwise worn out/inadequate (old, ill-fitting, teeth worn), a new partial may be the better choice (repairing a badly compromised framework can be a temporary fix that fails again). The dentist judges whether a sound, lasting repair is achievable, or whether replacement is more appropriate. D5622 is for the repairable-framework cases. So D5622 salvages a serviceable partial with a repairable framework. Understanding this helps patients see that repairing a cast framework is appropriate when the partial is otherwise serviceable and the framework break is repairable — the framework is repairable (the fracture/distortion can be soundly repaired/re-joined/corrected to restore strength and fit, not so extensively damaged that a repair wouldn't hold), the rest of the partial is good (the teeth, resin base, and clasps still in acceptable condition, or also being addressed appropriately, so it's worth saving the partial), and the fit is restorable (the repaired framework will fit and function properly) — in those cases a repair salvaging the partial (restoring it at lower cost than a new partial), but repair not always being the answer (if the framework is too extensively damaged so a repair wouldn't be reliable/durable, or the partial is otherwise worn out/inadequate/old, ill-fitting, teeth worn, a new partial may be the better choice, repairing a badly compromised framework being a temporary fix that fails again), the dentist judging whether a sound lasting repair is achievable or whether replacement is more appropriate.

Where D5622 fits in the codes

D5622 is among the arch-specific partial repair codes, and understanding this clarifies the coding.

Understanding where D5622 sits clarifies the coding. D5622 is among the partial denture repair codes. The base/framework repairs are arch-specific: resin base — D5611 (mandibular), D5612 (maxillary); cast framework — D5621 (mandibular), D5622 (maxillary, this code). (These arch-specific codes replaced older single codes — D5610 for resin base and D5620 for framework repair — a CDT update splitting them by arch.) Other partial modifications: D5630 (repair/replace broken clasp, per tooth), D5640 (replace broken teeth, per tooth), D5650 (add tooth to existing partial), D5660 (add clasp, per tooth), and the major refurbishments D5670/D5671 (replace all teeth and acrylic on a cast framework, maxillary/mandibular).

So D5622 is precisely: repair + cast framework + partial denture + maxillary (upper). Its direct counterpart is D5621 (the mandibular/lower cast framework repair), and it's distinguished from D5612 (the maxillary resin base repair) by being for the metal framework (not the resin). The dentist codes D5622 when repairing a broken cast framework on an upper partial. So D5622 is the upper cast framework repair among the codes. Understanding this helps patients see that D5622 is among the partial denture repair codes — the base/framework repairs being arch-specific: resin base D5611 (mandibular), D5612 (maxillary); cast framework D5621 (mandibular), D5622 (maxillary, this code) — these arch-specific codes replacing older single codes (D5610 for resin base and D5620 for framework repair, a CDT update splitting them by arch), with other partial modifications D5630 (repair/replace broken clasp, per tooth), D5640 (replace broken teeth, per tooth), D5650 (add tooth to existing partial), D5660 (add clasp, per tooth), and the major refurbishments D5670/D5671 (replace all teeth and acrylic on a cast framework, maxillary/mandibular) — so D5622 is precisely repair + cast framework + partial denture + maxillary/upper, its direct counterpart being D5621 (the mandibular/lower cast framework repair), distinguished from D5612 (the maxillary resin base repair) by being for the metal framework (not the resin), the dentist coding D5622 when repairing a broken cast framework on an upper partial.

Frequently asked questions

What is the D5622 dental code?

It's repairing a broken cast partial framework on a maxillary (upper) partial denture — fixing the fractured, cracked, or distorted cast metal framework (the metal skeleton that carries the clasps and connectors) to restore the partial's fit and function. It applies to the metal framework (not the resin base, which has its own codes). It's the upper-arch version (the lower is D5621).

How is this different from a resin base repair?

D5622 repairs the cast METAL framework (the metal skeleton). Repairing the resin (acrylic) base portion is a different code — D5612 (upper) / D5611 (lower). The repairs differ: framework repair involves metalwork (soldering/welding, usually in a lab), while a resin base repair bonds acrylic. The dentist identifies which part broke to pick the right code.

How does a metal framework break?

From metal fatigue over years of flexing (a fracture at a high-stress point like a connector or clasp junction), a fracture from being dropped, or distortion/bending from mishandling. The break can leave the partial ill-fitting, with clasps that don't engage, or unusable — so it needs repair to restore the framework's form, strength, and fit.

How is the framework repaired?

Usually in a dental lab: the partial is sent in, the broken metal is re-joined (soldered, welded, or laser-welded) and reinforced (or a distortion corrected), restoring the framework's proper form and strength, then the partial is finished and returned. Because it's metalwork, it typically takes lab time (often a week or two) rather than being a same-day chairside fix.

When is a new partial made instead?

When the framework is too extensively damaged for a sound, lasting repair, or the partial is otherwise worn out/inadequate (old, ill-fitting, worn teeth). Repairing a badly compromised framework can fail again, so in those cases a new partial is the better choice. The dentist judges whether a durable repair is achievable or replacement is more appropriate.

Is it covered, and what does it cost?

Cost reflects the metal repair (often lab work — more than a simple resin repair, but far less than a new partial) — typically low hundreds, varying by region and lab. Repairs are commonly covered by plans (with their own frequency rules). Correct coding (framework vs resin base), a narrative, and photos help. Verify your specific coverage.

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.