What is the D6117 dental code?

It's the CDT code for a definitive, fixed (non-removable) implant/abutment-supported denture-scale prosthesis replacing a partially edentulous mandibular (lower) arch, coexisting with the patient's remaining natural teeth.

How is D6117 different from D6113?

Fixed vs. removable. D6113 is a removable partial implant denture the patient can take out. D6117 is fixed in place, removable only by a dentist.

How is D6117 different from D6115?

Partial vs. complete arch. D6115 applies when the entire mandibular arch is edentulous. D6117 applies when the fixed prosthesis coexists with some remaining natural teeth.

Is D6116 the maxillary version?

Yes — D6116 (maxillary) and D6117 (mandibular) describe the identical concept applied to opposite jaws, billed as separate units when both arches are treated.

How is it different from a bridge (retainer/pontic codes)?

Scale. A conventional bridge is billed per retainer and pontic under the D6075-D6123/D6210 series. D6117 applies to a larger, denture-scale prosthesis spanning a more extensive edentulous segment.

D6117 Dental Code: Fixed Implant Denture, Partial Mandibular Arch

Code Summary

D6117 is the CDT code for an implant/abutment-supported fixed denture replacing a PARTIALLY edentulous mandibular (lower) arch — a non-removable, multi-unit implant prosthesis that spans the missing teeth while coexisting with remaining natural teeth on the same arch. It's the mandibular half of the fixed-partial-arch pair with D6116 (maxillary), and the partial-arch counterpart of D6115 (complete arch).

What D6117 means

D6117 covers an implant/abutment-supported fixed denture for a mandibular arch that is only PARTIALLY edentulous — some natural teeth remain, and the fixed implant prosthesis replaces the missing segment(s) without requiring extraction of the remaining teeth. As with D6114/D6115, "fixed" means the patient cannot remove the prosthesis themselves; it's screwed or cemented in place.

D6117 is the mandibular mirror of D6116 — same concept (fixed, partial-arch, denture-scale implant prosthesis), opposite jaw. It's also the partial-arch mirror of D6115, which covers the same fixed mandibular concept but for a completely edentulous arch.

Distinguish D6117 from D6113 (implant/abutment-supported REMOVABLE denture, partial arch, mandibular) by fixed vs. removable, and from D6115 (fixed denture, COMPLETE edentulous arch, mandibular) by partial vs. full arch involvement.

When it's typically used

D6117 is reported when a partially edentulous mandibular arch receives a definitive fixed (non-removable) implant/abutment-supported denture-scale prosthesis, coexisting with the patient's remaining natural teeth. It's distinguished from D6113 (same arch scope, but removable) by fixed vs. removable, and from D6115 by partial- vs. complete-arch edentulism.

How much does D6117 cost?

A fixed partial-arch mandibular implant denture's cost reflects the number of supporting implants needed to span the edentulous segment(s), the surgical phase, and denture-scale fabrication designed to integrate with remaining natural teeth. Coverage varies by plan; some plans apply alternate-benefit or missing-tooth clauses. Verify coverage with the relevant plan before treatment.

Is D6117 covered by insurance?

Coverage for D6117 varies by plan. Reporting the correct code — FIXED (D6117), not removable (D6113), and PARTIAL arch (D6117), not complete arch (D6115) — matters for accurate adjudication. Missing-tooth clauses and alternate-benefit downgrades are common for implant prosthetics. Verifying benefits before treatment is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

What is the D6117 dental code?: It's the CDT code for a definitive, fixed (non-removable) implant/abutment-supported denture-scale prosthesis replacing a partially edentulous mandibular (lower) arch, coexisting with the patient's remaining natural teeth.
How is D6117 different from D6113?: Fixed vs. removable. D6113 is a removable partial implant denture the patient can take out. D6117 is fixed in place, removable only by a dentist.
How is D6117 different from D6115?: Partial vs. complete arch. D6115 applies when the entire mandibular arch is edentulous. D6117 applies when the fixed prosthesis coexists with some remaining natural teeth.
Is D6116 the maxillary version?: Yes — D6116 (maxillary) and D6117 (mandibular) describe the identical concept applied to opposite jaws, billed as separate units when both arches are treated.
How is it different from a bridge (retainer/pontic codes)?: Scale. A conventional bridge is billed per retainer and pontic under the D6075-D6123/D6210 series. D6117 applies to a larger, denture-scale prosthesis spanning a more extensive edentulous segment.
Is it covered by insurance?: Coverage varies by plan. Missing-tooth clauses and alternate-benefit downgrades are common for implant prosthetics. Verify coverage with the relevant plan.

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.