D2949 — Restorative foundation for an indirect restoration
D2949 blocks out and levels a broken-down tooth so that an inlay, onlay or crown has a sound foundation to be built on.
three codes describe build-up and pin retention, and this is one of them. What separates it from the other two is the subject of this page; the build-up and pin retention guide covers the treatment itself.
What the number specifies, what it costs, what your plan is likely to do with it, and the named differences between it and the codes around it — in that order.
Where the line falls between D2949 and the rest
D2950 — Core buildup, including any pins when required: It rebuilds the missing bulk of a tooth in filling material, with pins where needed, so there is enough shape left to hold a crown.
D2951 — Pin retention — per tooth, in addition to restoration: It is the pin itself, a threaded post screwed into dentine to help anchor a large filling, billed per tooth on top of the restoration.
Those two codes and D2949 are the whole group — nothing else describes this procedure. There is no penalty for asking which of these is planned, and there is a real cost to finding out from an explanation of benefits weeks later.
Every code in this group
These codes describe the same broad procedure and differ in one respect each. Each has its own page with its own fee range and coverage notes.
| Code | Procedure |
|---|---|
| D2949 | Restorative foundation for an indirect restoration — this page |
| D2950 | Core buildup, including any pins when required |
| D2951 | Pin retention — per tooth, in addition to restoration |
Questions about D2949
What does dental code D2949 mean?
D2949 records restorative foundation for an indirect restoration — one of the restorative codes.
What is the typical fee for D2949?
Typically $150–$420 before insurance, depending on local fees and the complexity of the individual case.
How do dental plans handle D2949?
Expect major handling — 0–50%. Submitting an estimate first turns that percentage into a number you can rely on.
What is the difference between D2949 and D2950?
D2950 is core buildup, including any pins when required: it rebuilds the missing bulk of a tooth in filling material, with pins where needed, so there is enough shape left to hold a crown. These are not two versions of one procedure: they are separate treatments, and a plan assesses each on its own merits.
Also known as: core build-up, buildup, crown foundation, pin retention.