How is D6118 different from D6115?

Temporary vs. permanent. Both are fixed, full-arch mandibular implant prostheses, but D6118 is an interim device meant to be replaced once healing completes, while D6115 is the long-term, definitive restoration.

Does D6118 reduce the cost of D6115 later?

No. Each requires its own fabrication and is billed as its own fee; D6118 is not a credit or discount toward D6115.

Why not use a removable temporary instead?

A fixed interim prosthesis stays stable over the healing implants, avoids friction on healing sites that a removable device can cause, and lets the patient function much as they will with the final fixed prosthesis.

Is D6119 the maxillary version?

Yes — D6118 (mandibular) and D6119 (maxillary) mirror each other exactly as D6115 and D6114 do for the definitive prostheses.

Is it covered by insurance?

Coverage varies, and many plans explicitly exclude interim implant prosthetics, treating them as the patient's financial responsibility. Verify plan-specific policy before treatment.

D6118 Dental Code: Interim Fixed Implant Denture, Mandibular Arch

Code Summary

D6118 is the CDT code for an interim (temporary) implant/abutment-supported fixed denture for a completely edentulous mandibular (lower) arch — a non-removable prosthesis worn during the healing period after implant placement, before the definitive fixed prosthesis (D6115) is fabricated and delivered.

What D6118 means

D6118 covers a temporary, fixed, full-arch mandibular prosthesis placed while the implants integrate with bone and soft tissue heals — a period that can run several months. Rather than leave the patient without teeth, or place a removable temporary, D6118 describes a FIXED interim prosthesis: still screwed or cemented onto the implants, still non-removable by the patient, but understood by both clinician and payer to be a placeholder ahead of the final restoration.

An interim fixed prosthesis serves several purposes beyond just filling the gap: it protects the healing implants and soft tissue, preserves the patient's ability to eat and speak normally, supports esthetics and psychological wellbeing during a long treatment arc, and — importantly — can be used to help refine the design (tooth position, bite, esthetics) of the definitive prosthesis before it's fabricated.

D6118 is distinguished from D6115 (the DEFINITIVE fixed complete mandibular denture) purely by temporary vs. permanent status — both are fixed, full-arch mandibular prostheses, but D6118 is expected to be replaced, while D6115 is the long-term restoration. D6118 is also distinguished from any removable temporary denture by fixed vs. removable status, following the same logic as the rest of this family.

When it's typically used

D6118 is reported when a fixed (non-removable) interim prosthesis is placed on implants/abutments to restore a completely edentulous mandibular arch during the healing period, ahead of the definitive fixed denture (D6115). Documentation typically includes the expected healing duration and the reason an interim fixed (rather than removable) prosthesis was selected.

How much does D6118 cost?

An interim fixed denture is a separate fee from the definitive prosthesis that follows it — it is not a discount or credit toward the final restoration, since it requires its own fabrication and adjustment visits. Many plans treat implant interim prosthetics as a non-covered service, billable directly to the patient, though this varies. Verify coverage with the relevant plan and confirm patient financial responsibility before treatment.

Is D6118 covered by insurance?

Coverage for D6118 varies, and many benefit plans explicitly exclude interim implant prostheses (D6118/D6119) from coverage, treating them as the patient's financial responsibility. Even where interim prosthetics aren't separately covered, submitting a narrative — describing the healing timeline and the clinical reason a fixed interim prosthesis was needed — supports the record and may be relevant to how the later definitive prosthesis (D6115) is adjudicated. Verify plan-specific policy before treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the D6118 dental code?: It's the CDT code for a temporary, fixed (non-removable) implant/abutment-supported denture for a completely edentulous mandibular (lower) arch, worn during implant healing before the definitive prosthesis (D6115) is delivered.
How is D6118 different from D6115?: Temporary vs. permanent. Both are fixed, full-arch mandibular implant prostheses, but D6118 is an interim device meant to be replaced once healing completes, while D6115 is the long-term, definitive restoration.
Does D6118 reduce the cost of D6115 later?: No. Each requires its own fabrication and is billed as its own fee; D6118 is not a credit or discount toward D6115.
Why not use a removable temporary instead?: A fixed interim prosthesis stays stable over the healing implants, avoids friction on healing sites that a removable device can cause, and lets the patient function much as they will with the final fixed prosthesis.
Is D6119 the maxillary version?: Yes — D6118 (mandibular) and D6119 (maxillary) mirror each other exactly as D6115 and D6114 do for the definitive prostheses.
Is it covered by insurance?: Coverage varies, and many plans explicitly exclude interim implant prosthetics, treating them as the patient's financial responsibility. Verify plan-specific policy before treatment.

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.